PLANS for a new development on the site of the former Colne Health Centre herald ‘exciting times’ for the town, Pendle councillor Tony Greaves has said.

A consultation starts next week on proposals to demolish the building to create shops and flats.

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The former health centre closed in May 2014 when it moved to a state-of-the-art building in Craddock Road.

Pendle Council bought it in January to ensure that the building, in the heart of Colne’s high street, is developed in an attractive way to meet the town’s needs.

The council is launching a public consultation on Monday to get shoppers, traders and nearby residents’ views on the plans.

It is proposing to demolish the building to create new retail premises on the ground floor, with two floors of town centre living accommodation above.

The design seeks to replicate the style of surrounding buildings and the architectural qualities of the area. Cllr Tony Greaves, deputy leader of Pendle Council who represents Waterside Ward in Colne, said: “This is an exciting time for Colne.

“Most of the existing shops in the award-winning high street are occupied and we believe there is a demand for more.

“In Colne demand for retail property is high and vacancy levels are well below the regional average and we believe there is a need for more shopping space in the town centre.

“Everyone has been working hard to create a proposal which will will pay its way and at the same time be really good for Colne” The building contains what Cllr Greaves described as ‘a warren’ 47 rooms of various sizes and shapes.

He said it would be difficult and costly to convert it for different commercial uses.

The consultation is running for two weeks until Saturday, November 5 Information will be available in Colne Library and anyone interested can give feedback by completing a comments sheet or going to www.pendle.gov.uk.

Cllr Greaves said: “We’re asking people to send in their views on the proposed use, the design of the new buildings and other matters relating to the site which includes Richmond Court.

“It is more than 40 years since the old Colne Borough Council foolishly knocked down the old shops where the Old Health Centre stands.”

The new development will be built and owned by the Council’s joint venture company PEARL.