THE marketing consultants in charge of finding a buyer for Blackburn Pavilions have a history of turning derelict listed buildings into successful retail and business outlets.

And Grimley Marketing Consultants, who were given the green light by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council last week, are confident they can find a buyer for the Church Street buildings.

In the past year, the Manchester-based firm has successfully marketed Victorian buildings in Bradford and Manchester. The Wool Exchange in Bradford, which was built in 1864, now plays home to Waterstones Book Shop and various other retail outlets while a Grade One listed building in King Street, Manchester, has been turned into office space and retail stores.

Jonathan Wilkinson, development partner from Grimleys, said: "We have shown in the past that we have been successful in marketing historic buildings and while each one has to be treated on an individual basis, we are very confident that we will find a buyer for the Pavilions."

Mr Wilkinson said that it will now take up to six weeks to put together a planning submission in consultation with local organisations including the council, Blackburn Cathedral and Blackburn Civic Society.

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