AN ultra-modern arts centre featuring an open-air cinema is on the way at a former disused mill in East Lancashire.

Some £380,000 in funding has been secured for the planned creative HQ called Northlight at Brierfield Mill.

The eco-friendly building will feature an art library, open-air cinema, gallery, workshop and performance area and artist accommodation.

It will be developed after a successful bid for £348,000 to Arts Council England by In-Situ, a non-for-profit arts organisation based in Pendle.

In-Situ has also learned it will become part of Arts Council England’s national portfolio of arts and cultural organisations in Lancashire.

This will bring £556,000 investment into Pendle over four years from 2018.

The plan for Brierfield Mill will see a new HQ and cultural hub, The Garage, reimagined into Northlight, creating a permanent arts space for the team and community.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: “We’re delighted to support In-Situ’s efforts and to ensure arts and culture is a vital part of Northlight.

“This fantastic news means they can get to work to develop a creative HQ at the mill, which will be a huge asset to the complex.”

In-Situ director Paul Hartley said: “We are overjoyed to have been selected among some of the best art organisations in the country.

“Our aim is to continue to develop the highest-quality art and cultural experience in collaboration with people who live here and inspired by our beautiful and diverse location in Pendle.”

The transformation of the Grade II listed former Smith & Nephew mill in Brierfield has begun. It will transform the seven-acre site with a ‘sensitive restoration with a contemporary design twist’.

The mill stood empty for five years before becoming the flagship development for Pearl Enterprise, the public/private partnership between Pendle Council and Barnfield Construction.

Barnfield managing director Tim Webber said: “In-Situ’s exciting project is another piece in the jigsaw for a stunning complex of historic buildings.”

Jane Beardsworth, northern director of Arts Council England, said: “I’m really pleased that In-Situ is joining our national portfolio.

“I also look forward to seeing the redevelopments to The Garage, funded by our capital programme, which will offer even more opportunities to local people.”