Designer Wayne Hemingway is in talks over a role in the design of the project to replace Lord Square in Blackburn.
Mr Hemingway, who grew up in Blackburn, said his company, Hemingway Design, was in "very early" talks with The Mall, to be involved in "all sorts of" aspects of the project.
He said: "It will take a lot of vision for that to happen, but hopefully we can do it."
Mr Hemingway said the design of the centre was not to blame for its current condition.
"One of the problems with things built in the 1960s was that they rushed into it without the right materials.
"When you look at the design in its purity it's good, but the technology wasn't there to make it last.
"It needed to be constantly remodelled over the years but that didn't happen."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article