WHEN work started on Blackburn Shopping Centre and Lord Square in 1966, it was considered ahead of its time.

It was one of the first shopping centres in the North West.

The area between the centre and the town hall was redeveloped as part of the council's town centre "vision", which included the tower block next to the town hall, which is home to council staff.

The centre was extended in 1974.

Richard Prest, of Blackburn Civic Society, said: "At the time it was very much a flagship scheme. It was ahead of its time.

"Blackburn was one of the first towns to get to grips with regeneration of town centres in the post-war period.

"The area between Lord Square and the town hall was all redeveloped.

"It used to be a hotch-potch of small shops.

"This was all very charming, but not really geared up for the motor car."

The demolition work will include the former Woolworths building, later home to TJ Hughes, which was built in the 1930s.

The civic society has tried to save the art deco building in the past, but English Heritage would not have it listed.

Mr Prest said: "It's a shame. It had quite nice art deco features.

"It's got quite an interesting history, but it is just that - history."