Businesses have been invited to help put flesh on the bones of the £70 million masterplan for an East Lancashire town centre.

Hyndburn Borough and Lancashire County Councils want bosses to attend a workshop on the further development of the Accrington Town Centre Investment Plan 2022-2032.

The ambitious blueprint aims to transform Accrington into a vibrant, bustling market town, rich in industrial, cultural, and architectural heritage.

It outlines up to £70 million of potential investments designed to enhance the town’s future and improve the lives and opportunities of local businesses and residents.

Key objectives include: increasing visitor and tourist numbers; improving and diversifying the retail offer; reducing dependency on the retail sector for jobs; cutting the number of empty shops and commercial premises; enhancing the living environment and diversity of household types; encouraging more residents to enjoy green spaces and engage in walking and cycling; and supporting more adults from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain good qualifications

To develop the comprehensive and detailed masterplan for the town centre, Hyndburn Council has appointed a project team led by Jon Matthews Architects.

Hyndburn and Lancashire Councils are keen to gather feedback from local businesses on shaping the developing blueprint.

Business leaders are invited to attend a stakeholder workshop at the Acorn Suite, Accrington Town Hall on Monday, November 11, from 6pm to 8pm.

The workshop will last approximately two hours, during which attendees will be divided into small groups to discuss the vision and emerging masterplan framework with members of the project team.

The feedback collected will be used to refine the masterplan ahead of a public consultation planned for later this year or early next year.

Hyndburn Council's town centres boss Cllr Kimberley Whitehead said: “This is a vital project for Accrington.

"The council’s vision is to create a town centre that honours our rich heritage and meets the needs of our community today and in the future.

"We encourage all local businesses to participate in this workshop and share their invaluable insights.”