ONE of Darwen's best-known landmarks will be pulled down next April and replaced by housing.

The Belgrave Mill factory, in Bolton Road can be seen from various parts of the town and employed a large majority of its residents for more than 160 years.

But by Christmas 2006 it will have made way for a £30 million "terrace" effect housing development on the sloping site.

Work has begun to prepare the site for demolition and specialist demolition contractors are expected move in next spring.

Planning permission was given in February to the Northern Trust Company Ltd, owned by Chorley-based millionaire Trevor Hemmings, to build 126 executive-style homes.

The company has since sold the site to Standish-based Hargreaves Homes, part of the McInerney Group, which will build a range of homes to meet the needs of the community. But the development, which will include the demolition of the existing buildings, decontamination of the site and the construction of the new housing estate, is expected to take months to complete.

The building, which towers above nearby businesses and houses, also goes two or three storeys underground which means this section will have to be removed and foundations rebuilt before work on the houses and apartments can start.

Wraith Street, which runs up the side of Belgrave Mill, will be diverted to run through the new estate and it is expected that traffic lights will be installed at the new junction.

The site will eventually include 71 two-bedroom apartments, 12 town houses and 43 three and four-bedroom detached and link-detached houses with gardens.

Gerry Hamilton, managing director of Northern Trust Co Ltd, said: "The rejuvenation of Belgrave Mill, which has long been an established part of Darwen's skyline, will breathe new life into the area.

"The new housing estate will attract families outside the area to come and live in Darwen and will also satisfy demand within the local community for affordable and attractive housing."

The building was first used by Potter and Company who began papermaking and staining at Belgrave Mill as early as 1841.

It then became Crown Wallcoverings Ltd for many years before finally closing in September 2004.