A LANDMARK former library has gone on the market after a grand relaunch and a £1.2million makeover.

Community leaders are hopeful that the 107-year-old Booth Street library in Nelson will become a sought-after address for up-and-coming firms.

Former staff and dignataries marvelled at the regeneration of the venue, which closed for lending in 1974 and was last used as the borough surveyor’s offices.

Now it has gone up for sale with Burnley and Pendle estate agents Petty for £350,000 - though there is the possibility that The Edwardian edifice opened in 1906, courtesy of a £7,000 gift from the famed Carnegie Institute and was renowned for its mosaic entrance.

The mosaic, cornice work, oak panelling and cupola have all been retained as part of the restoration project.

Triggered by a £400,000 Heritage Lottery Fund handout, the scheme was undertaken by Barnfield Construction, as part of the company’s PEARL2 partnership with Pendle Council.

Coun Nadeem Younis, Nelson area committee chairman, said: “The former library would make a prestigious headquarters for any company, galleries for artists or a superb showroom.”

Council leader Coun Joe Cooney added: “I think part of this beautiful building would make an excellent bistro.”

New creations by local Shahida Ahmed and Phillipe Handiford were showcased at the relaunch, alongside the vocal talents of mezzo soprano Samantha Oxborough and tenor Jack Bowtell, of Pendle Youth Choir.

Community heritage expert Fiona McIntyre presented a potted history of the library, historian Simon Entwistle was on hand to conduct guided tours and films of Nelson from the 1960s were shown in the basement by Pendle Movie Makers.

Tim Webber, Barnfield’s managing director, added: “We are inviting entrepreneurs and agents to see the huge potential the former library has.”