SKI Rossendale could be in line to secure a £500,000 grant to transform the facility into a ‘winter sports centre of excellence’.

The centre in Rawtenstall has applied for the cash from Sports England’s improved facilities funding scheme to develop the ski and snowboard centre.

Plans include a new main ski hire building, new changing areas, lockers, toilets and showers with full disabled access to the first floor, where a new café will be situated.

The beginners skiing and snowboarding area will also be re-developed to provide a new larger teaching area with a modern ski surface installed with an up lift access.

The building will be linked to the new ski area from the café via a terrace where people can have refreshments while watching the skiing and snowboarding.

David Fuller, operations director at the slope in Haslingden Old Road, said: “The aim of this redevelopment is designed to give all our customers an excellent experience both on and off the slopes, to create a place where people can come and enjoy the sports or just spend some leisure time enjoying this unique alpine atmosphere.

“We want to create a winter sports centre of excellence whilst promoting community participation in recreation and sport.

“We’ve got through the first round and expect it to be guaranteed in the second or third week of September.

“It’s a lot of investment into the Valley and will bring in a lot of people and also bring the facilities up to scratch.”

A planning application is due to be submitted to Rossendale Council.