ACCRINGTON town centre is set to benefit from a new lease of life if plans for a new food court at the Arndale Centre are approved next week.

The owners of the centre have applied for planning permission to change vacant shops into food outlets, and councillors are likely to approve the proposal, welcoming investment it will bring to the town centre.

At least one big name food chain is said to be set to move into the Arndale once planning permission is granted.

Deputy leader of the council and chair of the Regeneration and Housing Panel Coun. Clare Pritchard welcomed the proposal.

She said: “Obviously the Arndale Centre has been a concern of ours for a number of months now and we are really excited that the owners of the Arndale are bringing this proposal.

“It’s going to be good for the Arndale and the town centre.”

David Berman from Jesta Capital spoke on behalf of the owners of Accrington Arndale Centre. He said: “The owners are very excited about the letting of a large unit, which includes the shop vacated by Bon Marche after going into administration.

“Working with the local authority and having invested a considerable sum to facilitate the deal, we believe the letting to a strong food operator is the first step towards reinvigaration of the Arndale and town centres.

“We have been told that the application has the support of the Hyndburn Borough Council.”