PLANS to transform Whalley Abbey into a 21st century conference centre are expected to move a step closer tonight.

The Blackburn Diocese of the Church of England wants to upgrade its historic retreat house and conference centre in a bid to attract more business conferences, wedding receptions and social functions.

Work would include creating a new dining hall and reception area, installing en-suite bathrooms in its 32 bedrooms and putting in a new disabled lift. Work could start as early as January next year and could be complete by July.

The £1million plans have been recommended for approval by town planners and go before councillors on Ribble Valley Council's planning and development control committee tonight.

Both the 14th century Abbey and the adjacent 17th century house are owned by Blackburn diocese and the revamp will be financed by the diocesan pastoral fund.

The ambitious transformation was ordered by diocese bosses after they received a report from independent consultants that stressed the Abbey needs to take a more commercial approach or risk closure. Whalley Abbey currently receives an annual £25,000 subsidy from the diocese. It's hoped the work will ultimately see the site break even or even make a profit.

Canon Michael Wedgeworth, diocesan secretary, said: "We've been told Whalley Abbey is an attractive venue for more conferences and wedding receptions. In fact, we were told we had to attract more people or the Abbey could be forced to close.

"The key to the whole future of the Abbey is to marry a much more commercial approach to the continuing and absolutely fundamental spiritual purpose of the the house."

English Heritage, which oversees all works on historic sites, has lodged no objection to the works, which would see a 17th century door and stone flags removed.

If granted permission, the diocese would also employ a general manager and marketing manager to help promote the site as a conference and weddings venue. Permission would be granted on condition the diocese commission an archaeological survey.

Plans have been in the pipeline to refurbish the attraction since 1997. The building, founded about 1300, was sold to private owners in 1553. It was then bought back by the Church in 1923 and became the retreat house and conference centre in 1926.