ARCHITECTS who regenerated Liverpool's Albert Dock have been picked by Rossendale Council to mastermind the multi-million pound redevelopment of Ilex Mill.

And the architect in charge of the development, Ken Moth, has spoken of how he sees the development sparking the regeneration of Rawtenstall.

It is proposed to relocate the council offices and police station in the Grade II listed building in Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, and the remaining third of the complex could either be used for residential or business purposes.

Six architectural practices presented their schemes to the policy and resources sub-committee, and councillors opted to work with Manchester-based Building Design Partnerships.

Chief executive Steven Hartley said: "We advertised across Europe and got 40 expressions of interest of which we picked six to give a presentation.

"All of them could do the job and all were really expert at dealing with mill buildings and listed buildings. It was a very close decision."

Mr Moth, architect and director with Building Design Partnerships, said: "We are the biggest design practice in Europe, founded in Preston in 1960 and now with a north west base in Manchester. "I personally have worked in the conservation of historic buildings and reuse of industrial buildings for 25 years and have worked on the Albert Dock at Liverpool, the Grape Street Warehouse in Manchester which is now part of Granada Studio Tours, and the 1830 warehouse which is now the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.

"I have been aware of the Ilex Mill project for the last two years and I think it is a very impressive and spectacular mill complex. It is a very important part of the centre of Rawtenstall.

"I know some people find the building depressing but we firmly believe that the building can be absolutely wonderful and spectacular and be the spark that fires further development in and around Rawtenstall."

He said his company had taken buildings which were in a far worse condition than Ilex Mill and brought them back to life.

The council's plans have, in principle, been granted £2.8million from the Lottery and it is hoped to secure funding from the regional development agency.

Mr Hartley said the council was now seeking funding to cover the cost of the design work.

He said: "There are still big question marks over the whole scheme. Firstly funding and then planning permission, not just for Ilex Mill but for the redevelopment of the existing town hall and bus depot and police station and these would need government approval."

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