AN historic building which used to be a school could be transformed into a community centre.

Community Alliance Ltd has applied to Burnley Council to turn the former Healey Wood School, off Spring Hill Road, into offices, workspaces and a community area for all ages.

As part of the scheme the building would also house spaces for training courses, art exhibitions, as well as an IT and help and advice library.

The Victorian building, built in 1884, was previously used as a nursery and is classed as a building of archaeological interest. Burnley Council's executive member for leisure and a member of the town's civic society, Coun Roger Frost, said the building, was in good condition despite been empty for at least five years.

He said: "It is a building that was typical of its time but there are very few left in the borough. It is not just going to be a community centre, there are several community organisations going there.

The application is due before the development control committee on Thursday. New entrances would be built and eight roof lighwould beinstalled to provide natural light to the converted loft.

A condition of planning permission would see Community Alliance having to change plans to render the entrances in orange. An archaeological record of the building would also be created before any changes were made.

A report to go before councillors says: "The building is identified as being a building of local heritage value.

"The proposal is aimed at providing a community building which would cater for the economic, social and cultural needs of a wide range of ages and community groups."