AMBITIOUS £50 million plans to revolutionise a run-down area of Burnley are set to take a major step forward.

Councillors are expected to approve plans by Rossendale-based developer Hurstwood Group to transform an area of the Weaver's Triangle into a leisure and business destination, creating hundreds of jobs.

On Thursday, Burnley development control committee will discuss outline plans for an 800-capacity music venue, restaurants, offices, homes and public squares.

The site could also host The Fashion Tower, an innovative idea proposed by former record company boss Anthony Wilson and his partner Yvette Livesey, which aims to celebrate the region's textile heritage as well as providing business and education space.

Council leader Gordon Birtwistle it was another sign the borough was on the up'.

He said: "It is an area which desperately needs regenerating and this is tremendous news.

"It will bring major investments into the town and create hundreds of jobs. The sooner we can get this project off the ground the better."

The application has been two years in the making and will transform listed warehouses and weaving sheds on the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

It encompasses 11 sites over six acres including the former Clock Tower mill site, Lord's Printers, Slater's Terrace and a site on Wiseman Street.

Hurstwood's proposals are the first in a huge 15-year action plan to rejuvenate the historic area which once formed the heart of Burnley's textile industry.

Burnley Council is currently drawing up a masterplan for the area in which it is hoped £260 million will be ploughed into the Weaver's Triangle.

If the committee approves the plans, Hurstwood would have to enter into talks with the council about a raft of issues including access, possible contamination, providing affordable homes, pollution control, what materials to use and providing public art.

Susan Graham, head of planning, said: "The Weaver's Triangle has enormous potential. The well-founded scheme affords the opportunity to move forward its regeneration, with significant benefits to town."

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