A council leader has met with businesses in a shopping centre as the local authority looks to forge ahead with ambitious plans to redevelop a complex.

Pendle Council took over ownership of Pendle Rise in Nelson town centre in June as part of its plans to revitalise the town.

The shopping complex was bought using Nelson Town Deal funding which is supporting improvements across the town through regeneration, improving skills and access to leisure facilities.

Council leader, Cllr Asjad Mahmood, said: “It’s key to our redevelopment of Nelson town centre.

“Now that we own the site, we can forge ahead with our plans to radically improve the area by creating a much stronger retail offer for Pendle people.

“Our plan is to demolish Pendle Rise and redevelop the site but for now it’s still open for business.”

The council said it would be finding new units for businesses who want to stay in the centreTransforming the town centre will see high profile and long-term vacant and under-used buildings brought back into use for commercial purposes.

The council is working closely with tenants to minimise any uncertainty and disruption and maintain footfall in the centre whilst it remains open.

It aims to find new shop units in Nelson town centre for everyone who wants to continue in the town.

Cllr Mahmood added: “I’ve lived in Nelson for most of my life and have been coming into the shopping centre and indoor market since I was a child, so I have known many of the businesses for a long time.

“It is so important that Pendle Rise retailers are part of our ambitious plans to make Nelson a place with a brighter future.”

Plans for the new complex include developing a major new food store, nine modern retail units with attractive frontages, car parking and landscaping.


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