A CONSORTIUM of local businessmen are preparing a rescue plan to save three historic town centre buildings earmarked for demolition.

A group of long-established Blackburn traders - who wish to remain anonymous at this stage - say they will finance the future of the Church Street pavilions.

They have exclusively outlined their ambitious proposals for the crumbling Georgian artefacts to the Citizen, and say the listed buildings could become the jewel in the town centre's crown as an arcade-style shopping complex featuring boutiques.

The future of the pavilions is shrouded in mystery. Some people want to see them bulldozed and Blackburn Council is understood to prefer demolition.

The businessmen, who see the pavilion's restoration as a highly profitable venture, were reluctant to put a figure on the redevelopment, but it is understood to run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

One of the mystery men said: "We are confident that we can raise the money."

The only stumbling block would appear to be the council's development services committee.

The consortium approached the council with outline proposals several months ago - but have not received any feedback.

Development services chairman, councillor Andy Kay, said: "We're considering all the options and are expecting a report sometime this summer, but there's a big difference between expressing an interest and stumping up the money. I've yet to see a viable proposition."

Now the consortium is putting together a detailed survival package for the pavilions and wants prompt feedback from the council.

One of the group said: "The pavilions are architectural jewels which this town is desperately short of. Now we're prepared to spend our hard earned money to rescue them."

The ambitious scheme has the blessing of the town's civic society. Spokesman Richard Prest said: "We're convinced the Pavilions have a viable future as either office or retail units. The buildings are rare for Blackburn and it's important the council enters into such a partnership to ensure they are developed and maintained for future generations."

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