A HISTORIC Accrington building, once the town's Conservative Club, could become a restaurant, office and apartments complex.

The old Churchill's nightclub, on Cannon Street, is the subject of a regeneration scheme being considered by a Bolton developer.

Axicon Ltd is considering developing a ground floor restaurant, five first floor offices and 14 second floor flats inside the Victorian building. Its agents have held early talks with the Hyndburn First regeneration body and more are planned.

Hyndburn First director Nigel Rix said: "This is a unique challenge. I've had talks with an individual about making a planning application for the building. It's a significant building and we're trying to use it for modern purposes, while retaining its historic features. It has a ballroom with an ornate ceiling. In its heyday, this was the place to be in Accrington.

"Modern developments often require suspended ceilings and gullies for computer cables and electricity wires. This can lead to rather clinical environments, so we're looking for something more unique here."

Hyndburn Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "This is good news for Accrington and the whole of Hyndburn. The investment we're putting into the town centre, such as developing the Viaduct cinema, the Market Hall improvements and general promotional work, is beginning to pay-off. This sort of planning application would be the icing on the cake."