TALKS are back on the cards with a top high street retailer for a store at a new shopping centre in Chorley.

Councillors gave the green light to press ahead with the Market Walk extension in Chorley at a meeting on Tuesday night after concerns Marks and Spencer were reconsidering building a food hall in November.

However, there was good news as Marks and Spencers bosses have since re-approached council chiefs in relation to a Chorley store.

Shopping centre owner Chorley Council had been reviewing its multi-million pound development amid changes taking place in the wider retail market but strong interest from several businesses has set the plans back on track.

The ambitious plans will bring a Reel cinema, restaurants and quality retailers to the area.

Cllr Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “It was important we took time to reflect on the progress that had been made but by the very nature of projects like this it is going to change and we have to manage that by adapting and amending our approach just as residents would do in the course of their own interests.

“It is brilliant news for the borough that we can now get on and deliver all the exciting elements that will give our town centre a long-term future and broaden its appeal to visitors.

“We’ve learned lessons from what we’ve been doing over the last few months and we’ve responded to comments and suggestions from traders and shoppers, particularly around parking, to ensure the progress we make is in the best interests of the town centre.”

The £16 million investment will also see major improvements to the appearance of the area and a new decked car park on Friday Street/Portland Street to accommodate an increase in shoppers.

Town hall bosses expect the new development to be open in late 2019.