THE FUTURE of three listed buildings in Blackburn town centre looks set to be decided tonight.

Councillors will decide whether to push ahead with plans for the refurbishment of the three Pavilions in Church Street.

A meeting of the property development sub-committee is expected to give officers the go-ahead to seek planning permission for the site's development.

Planning consultants have been working on plans for the disused buildings for the last few months.

The latest move signals fresh hope for the 160-year-old buildings which were once threatened with demolition.

Manchester-based consultants Grimleys were asked by Blackburn with Darwen Council to investigate possibilities for the buildings. They came up with the idea that the site should be used either for leisure or retail use or a mix of the two. Consultation between the council and local groups, such as Blackburn Civic Society, is also underway.

Several property developers have already made enquiries about the site.

The buildings were constructed in the early 19th century and have been used for retail and office use over the years, although one has not been occupied for almost 24 years.

Moves were made to redevelop the buildings in 1990 and 1993 when the council tried to sell them, but little interest was shown.

Continued vandalism led to moves for demolition, but councillors ruled against the proposal.

The buildings were among the first purpose-built shops in the town, linked together by a now demolished single storey.

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