A FRESH outlook is being proposed by architects behind a new public square in one of the oldest quarters of Burnley.

Sandygate Square will be at the heart of the Weavers’ Triangle redevelopment, which is being progressed under the banner of ‘On The Banks’.

An ‘iconic’ footbridge is being planned to link the new University Technical College (UTC) with leisure facilities on the north-east side of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

And the square will boast an ‘amphitheatre’, canalside terrace, with links to a possible cafe or nearby shops, around a central tree-covered space.

But the Lancashire Telegraph can confirm that the innovative ‘y-shaped bridge’, which formed part of the original designs, has been dropped in favour of a more conventional sweeping arch concept by developers Barnfield Construction.

Anson Forrester (corr), from the developers, said: “Our aim is to create a functional but iconic footbridge which, whilst respecting the site setting, should exude a more contemporary image commensurate with the aspirations of the area.”

If planning permission is secured soon then the bridge can be installed by December, which would fit in with current funding requirements.

The square will also be situated opposite the proposed music arena, a partnership between Live Nation and Burnley-based AMS Neve.

Extra traffic calming has also been drawn up on Sandygate itself, on the edge of the square beyond the road bridge from Slater’s Terrace.

Work was carried out several years ago to create a temporary public square, which has hosted events such as the canal festival and youth gatherings.

But it is hoped that its replacement will ‘connect’ with other parts of the sprawling former cotton heartland, from Victoria Mill and Slater’s Terrace to Clock Tower Mill and Neptune Street.