ARCHITECTS charged with the redevelopment of Rawtenstall town centre have been appointed by council bosses.

The Rossendale Together Barnfield Partnership (RT BP) has announced Manchester firm DAY Architectural Ltd as its preferred partner to revamp the former Valley Centre site.

Seven firms entered a national competition to take forward plans for the site, off Bank Street, which was converted to a public space last year.

The RTBP, which includes Rossendale Council, Together Housing and Barnfield Construction, said it would consult residents and stakeholders to make the best choices for the town centre.

Leader of the council and chairman of the RTBP, Alyson Barnes, said: “I am really pleased to be able to announce the appointment of DAY Architectural as our lead architects.

“There was a fantastic response to the competition from some of the brightest and best architects ar-ound the country and we had a number of exciting, and innovative, proposals to consider.

“On the day, DAY Archit-ectural came through as the winners.

“They have a great idea on which to base the next stage of plan development and consultation, which will take place in 2014.”

Coun Barnes stressed that ideas submitted in the competition were not final designs on which any development would be bas-ed.

She said: “We were selecting a group, not a plan.

“DAY submitted their vision and we were impressed, but we want to consult with all stakeholders to get the most rounded view going forward.”

Natalie Sarabia-Johnston, project lead at DAY Arch-itectural Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be leading the design of this exciting vision and masterplan project for Rawtenstall.

“The proposals will provide a unique lifestyle destination within the heart of Rawtenstall, which will build on the excellent work the RTBP have already done, and also attract new visitors to the region, including those from the adrenalin gat-eway.”