AMBITIOUS plans to transform Accrington, which detail the next 15 years of development for the town, have been revealed.

Proposals include improving public spaces, shopping, business, transport routes, parking and other aspects of the central area.

Hyndburn Council's Accring-ton town centre "masterplan" will be unveiled next week when it goes on display for the public to comment upon.

Manchester-based planners URBED have come up with a range of proposals that will shape developments in the town.

Among the recommendations are plans to:

  • Relocate the bus station to Cranshaw Street, creating a new eight-stand bus interchange.
  • Extend the Arndale Centre to create larger shops and to attract larger retailers into the town.
  • Create a better quality town centre by refurbishing the town hall and market hall as well as improving the spaces around these buildings.
  • Restore the Victorian arcade off Church Street and introduce new cafes and restaurants.
  • Develop the current bus station site in Peel Street as a market square for public events and an outdoor market.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "I am delighted that we now have the draft masterplan ready.

"Accrington has enormous potential and is most definitely on the up.

"We want to make sure that as many people as possible take this chance to have their say about the future of the town centre.

"I'm particularly interested to see what they think about the location of the bus station.

"It's not my first preference and I'd like to know if people agree or disagree, so it's important to let us know.

"The town we build in the next few years will have to last us long after our time, into the next century, so we want everyone to have their say."

Lancashire County Council is in the process of looking at a new location for Accrington bus station and have suggested creating a joint public transport interchange at the train station, which is to be redeveloped.

URBED director David Rudlin said: "We see Accrington as a real gem.

"Its architecture and culture are more than a match for many far bigger towns.

"With Pennine countryside on the doorstep, and assets like the Haworth Art Gallery and the historic market, the quality of life is excellent."

He said the aim was to reinforce Accrington's revival as a thriving market town, and lift its status across the region.

Although there is no specific pot of money attached to the plan, a number of projects are already in the pipeline.

Investment is in the offing from the county council for a new bus interchange and a £1million refurbishment of Accrington market hall has been announced.