ILEX Mill could become the centrepiece of a new-look Rawtenstall for the millennium if plans for the derelcit mill's regeneration get the go-ahead.

Architects have now produced detailed proposals of how the mill could look after more than £3million of work which will turn it into the focal point of the town and create hundreds of jobs.

The mill will become the new home for the town hall and police station and plans are also in the pipeline for a museum, health club, offices, bar and restaurant.

This would include turning the River Irwell walkway behind the mill into an attractive cafe terrace and footpath.

Coun Alan Fishwick, leader of Rossendale Council, said: "These plans mean the regeneration of Rawtenstall town centre and Rossendale as a whole, not just the regeneration of Ilex Mill. There is massive potential here for the whole of Rossendale.

"People talk about just Ilex Mill, but the mill is just the catalyst for huge changes in Rossendale that will bring with them hundreds of jobs."

Architect Ken Moth explained to councillors at a special Ilex Mill sub-committee meeting how the new-look mill would become a central point for the town. The mill would include an attractive public square made by demolishing part of the weaving shed which would open the mill to the public and make a strong link with the town centre.

Entrances to both the new police station and town hall would be in the square, and private investors are being sought to fill the rest of the building.

Mr Moth, of architects Building Design Partnership, has put forward four differerent designs for the town hall which will be housed in the five storey part of the mill.

And there are three options for the police station including knocking down the weaving shed and creating a purpose-built station, or trying to house the police in the original shed.

In a month's time the architects will recommend their preferred options and councillors will have to discuss these and put them out to public consultation. Coun Nick Pilling said: "I think cost is important because I think the final decision may come down to not what we like the best but what we can best afford."

Ken Moth said: "In about a month we should be ready to have public consultation where we set up meetings so people can come and look at the plans and ask any questions.

"I'd also like to get local children involved in the project by going into schools and discussing the project with them."

The council has to have its proposals ready by December 15 to submit to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It is hoped they will get the go-ahead from them in 3-6 months. Work on the mill would then begin a year from then and should be completed in a further 18-20 months.

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