Next steps to demolish Nelson’s Pendle Rise shopping centre and relocate businesses will be discussed this week.

Nelson Town Deal Board will also address the government demand that all town boards publish clear information about different board members and their roles.

Nelson Town Board is responsible for the £25million Town Deal, which is public money agreed with previous Conservative governments to spend on projects which include redeveloping the Pendle Rise site and local business growth grants.

A report for the town board’s meeting at Nelson Town Hall on Friday morning includes Pendle Rise.

Since buying it in May, Pendle Council and management operator Beddows Limited have repaired some operating systems and dealt with a vermin infestation. The centre is now operating fairly smoothly. Banners will let the public know existing retailers are open and show redevelopment plans.

Pendle Council’s leader, Asjad Mahmood, has made visits and met some retailers. Each tenant has been met by the council’s estates team about their future intentions. Some are looking to close, others to permanently relocate or be in the new site.

Discussions with tenants and telecom companies, which have masts on Pendle Rise buildings have led to early estimates of compensation linked to the redevelopment. Full details will follow.

On September 19, Pendle Council’s executive will be asked to formally approve making the compulsory purchase order (CPO) to acquire any remaining interests in the site and land.

Looking ahead, an inquiry could be held, if objections are received, and a rolling scheme of relocations will start. A government decision to confirm the CPO is forecast for autumn 2025, demolition in October 2025 and the site cleared by March 2026.

Meanwhile, government department checks in August, following the general election, revealed that 93 per cent of town deal boards across the country in a sample selection did not comply with transparency requirements. Then a review of Nelson Town Board found some information gaps, the report states. Action has or is being taken now to address the gaps. (See separate report).

The board meeting is on Friday, September 13, at Nelson Town Hall, at 10am.