A FORMER cinema building in Accrington town centre is up for sale for £700,000.

The property, at the junction of Church Street and Cannon Street, known as "Ritz Corner", was previously occupied by home furnishing retailer, Barnes for 34 years.

Before that the property was known as the Ritz Cinema and was also used as a dance hall.

The building has been empty for the past 12 months and the local chamber of trade has now said it hopes it will be filled by a retailer.

In the last year more than 40 new shops have opened in the town centre and Michael Whewell, from the Hyndburn Chamber of Trade, said he hoped that would encourage a retail business to open in the landmark building.

He said: "Ideally, we would like some kind of retail development to benefit the town centre. However, it is probably unlikely as retailers tend to want premises over one floor."

He added: "It is more likely that the property will get converted into offices or accommodation."

The property is being sold by commercial property consultants Robert Pinkus & Co.

Retail Surveyor Claire Eccleston said: "The size of the space available provides prime development potential and offers a range of options for interested parties.

"As a result we anticipate high levels of interest in the property.

"The building offers 19,072 square feet of space over three floors and comprises a series of rooms which makes it an ideal development opportunity."

She added that planning permission has already been granted for retail use but the property could be suitable for office space.

A family business, Barnes was established for nearly 100 years up until 12 months ago, when the company then decided it was no longer worth staying open. The closure was blamed on trade transferring to out of town retail parks.