PROFESSIONAL marketing consultants are being brought in to try to find a future for three historic town centre buildings.

Controversial plans to demolish the Waterloo buildings in Church Street, Blackburn, were halted earlier this year following a public campaign.

Councillors decided to save the council-owned listed properties, built in the 1840s, because of the "clear weight of public opinion".

The borough has decided to call in professional agents, and several marketing companies are vying for the contract to market the buildings.

The development services committee are hoping to appoint a consultant next month. The aim would be to sell the buildings to developers who would have to refurbish them.

Borough property manager Martin Sandland said: "We would be looking at some sort of retail or business use for the buildings.

"Perhaps the Waterloo buildings could be used as a pub, restaurant or even for office space. The future for the buildings depends on the demands of the market.

"The job for the consultants would be to find a developer willing to invest in the properties."

Grants under the City Challenge scheme could also be used by developers to help revamp the former shops.

Blackburn Civic Society has been campaigning for the council to take some action.

They also claim no developers have yet to come forward with proper plans to refurbish the buildings.

Any future landlords would have to follow strict Government guidelines because the premises have Grade II listed status.

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