The front section of a historic but empty Nelson town centre building should be saved from demolition, leading Pendle councillors have said.
Trafalgar House, located next to Nelson Town Hall, has faced partial or full demolition under ideas to regenerate the site and wider town centre – and also potentially generate some income for Pendle Council.
The vacant building’s problems and future have been discussed in the context of the £25 million Nelson Town Deal.
The deal, arranged with the previous Conservative government, aims to regenerate Nelson town centre and boost the area’s economy.
It includes the proposed demolition and redevelopment of Pendle Rise shopping centre.
There were hopes Trafalgar House could be redeveloped in a joint venture for new purposes, as has been done at the huge Northlight mill in Brierfield.
Pendle Council and consultants have worked on various ideas and impressions in the past few years, which included creating some commercial space and a first-floor apartment, a partly-covered events space, car parking with electric vehicle charging points or even an indoor cricket space.
However, under financial agreements linked to the town deal, it is estimated none of the ideas so far would meet a threshold need on the return-on-investments for commercial partners.
At their latest meeting, Pendle Council’s executive called for the building’s front section to be saved as they were given financial estimates and options for the future that included total demolition.
A top council officer, Phillip Spurr, gave a report which set out options to consider for Trafalgar House and to deliver the elements of the original Town Deal-funded proposals for the site.
Resident William Stephenson spoke in favour of the full retention of Trafalgar House, highlighting an on-line petition, backed by The Victorian Society, which more than 1,000 people have signed.
Mr Stephenson said Trafalgar House is an important part of the £25 million Nelson Town Deal which aims to revitalise the town.
The deal includes improving local buildings or assets, and bringing vacant or under-used sites back into use. The Town Deal website highlights the importance of the Nelson’s architectural heritage with buildings including the Town Hall and old library.
Opposition Conservative Councillor Ash Sutcliffe mentioned the petition too and spoke about the history and value of keeping Trafalgar House.
Fellow Conservative Cllrs Sarah Cockburn-Price, Kieran McGladdery and Martyn Stone also told the Independent-Liberal Democrats coalition on the executive the whole building should be kept.
Lib-Dem councillors David Whipp, the council's deputy leader, and Tom Whipp expressed views in favour of the total demolition of Trafalgar House, according to a council report of the meeting, while Independents Asjad Mahmood - the council leader, Mohammad Hanif, Mohammed Iqbal and Yvonne Tennant favoured a regeneration scheme which keeps the front section only.
The executive noted potential estimated running costs of £25,000 to £27,000 if tenants cannot be found, plus an estimated one-off cost of £1.6 million for redevelopment. They confirmed they approved of a scheme which keeps the front section.
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