THE first vision for a new £1.5million three-tier public open space to replace the Darwen thee-day market hall has been revealed.

The borough council will today publish initial proposals for the scheme to revitalise the town centre after the 1970’s hall is knocked down.

It aims to create ‘a shared space’ for events and act as a focal point for the town.

The design, intended to open up views to key Darwen landmarks including the town hall, St Peter’s Church and Darwen Tower, will be split into three zones.

The upper section next to Railway Road looks down on the main public space and has seating and decorative planting to encourage passers-by to stop and come into the green space.

The middle ‘Zone B’ focuses on commerce and will attempt to reuse some of the former storage units under Railway Road as coffee houses, food outlets and small shops.

The main, lower area will be a flexible public space with ‘amphitheatre-style’ seating and space for a stage in front of the Victorian Town Hall to host events ranging from from craft fairs or food markets to large-scale performances.

The town’s heritage, especially its history of textile production and paper manufacture, will be reflected in the use of sculptures, images, plantings and the street furniture.

The details of the project, included in the planning application to demolish the controversially-closed market hall allowing it to be knocked down in November, a temporary tarmac surface to be put down in time for the Christmas lights’ switch-on and then for work start in the Spring.

Cllr Phil Riley, borough regeneration boss, said: “I’m really excited about these plans. The architects have worked very hard to try to reflect what people wanted to see in their town.

“This is the latest stage of the council’s plans to enhance Darwen for the future while reflecting its rich history and heritage.

“The £1.5 million initial spending will be authorised by its executive board later this month.

“We are also looking at a Heritage Lottery Bid and asking local historians to contribute to the final version of our plans.”

Cllr David Foster, borough Liberal Democrat leader and Whitehall representative said: “These proposals sound good.”

East Rural Tory councillor and former stallholder Julie Slater said: “These are interesting ideas.”

Both pledged to examine the scheme in detail and if necessary suggest amendments.

Cllr Riley added: “This is really the first draft and there are a number of details which could change.

“However, this is the general direction of travel which reflects what people wanted to see and begins to unlock the potential of this space.”