A £2MILLION scheme to transform some of Nelson town centre's main shopping streets has taken a step towards reality with plans to buy up the former Grand Cinema site.

Pendle Council officers have had discussions with the North West Development Agency in relation to cash available for transforming the town, and outline approvals for £1.7million have already been obtained.

Council bosses have been trying for the past year to reach agreement over acquiring the site of the Grand, destroyed in fire in May 2000.

Negotiations have failed, however, and officers are now preparing to acquire the land with a compulsory purchase order. The order is expected to be confirmed at a meeting of the council's executive next week.

The council is now preparing a more detailed bid for their redevelopment plans and the proposed work has been split into two schemes, expected to begin later this year.

The aim is to create a vibrant town centre and improvements suggested include new street furniture, better lighting, street art and new civic spaces.

A main aim of the plan is to create a public space on the site of the Grand Cinema.

Pendle's Mayor, Coun Mohammad Iqbal, said the investment is something which is much needed in the town.

He added: "Since the cinema was burned down around two years ago it has been open space. It is in much need of development as is the surrounding area. We are already seeing massive property investment from Modus and now with the money from the NWDA it is a much-needed boost for the area."

Officers are now drawing up detailed plans to submit to the North West Development Agency. The first scheme would include the development of Place De Creil, Manchester Square, Leeds Square, Scotland Road and Market Street.

Other town centre developments include the Pendle Rise shopping centre extension towards Woolworths which has already started.

It's hoped the development of Place de Creil and Manchester Square will follow the completion of the Pendle Rise extension, along with the extension of the canopies along Manchester Square, Scotland Road, Market Street and Railway Street.

The development of Scotland Road and Leeds Square would be left until the following financial year.

The second scheme would consist of the creation of a civic space and possibly office development in Market Square.

Pendle Council has already acquired several buildings within the area, including Lamberts Market, the former Baines Carpet Warehouse and Sankeys warehouse and shops in Market Street and Russell Street.