PROPOSALS for a three-tier public open ‘green’ space replacing the Darwen three-day market hall will be considered by senior councillors on Thursday.

They are asked to approve the £1.67 million needed to start work on new focal point for the town centre and have been given details of the alternative proposals.

Blackburn with Darwen Executive Board is expected to rubber stamp the plans, which includes a scheme to open up views to the town's landmarks such as St Peter’s Church and Darwen Tower.

Borough regeneration boss Phil Riley has revealed two alternatives schemes ware actively considered.

The first was redeveloping the site and demolishing retail units alongside Railway Road to attract a private sector partner to build a larger commercial retail or food and drink complex.

The second was a comprehensive new construction next to the remaining six-day Market Hall incorporating its annexe and multi-storey carpark fronting on to School Street with a new smaller square.

Cllr Riley will tell colleagues the three-level public open space with sculpture, plantings and heritage features was chosen after commercial market testing and extensive public consultation.

Borough Conservative Group leader Cllr John Slater, said: “I am opposed to this scheme and all three options put forward.

“They should have redeveloped the three-day market hall.”

Cllr Roy Davies, Liberal Democrat Mayor of Darwen Town Council, said: “I am worried about people vandalising any new public space and stealing plants without CCTV cameras and security to protect it.”

Cllr Riley said: “This shows we carefully considered several options before choosing this scheme which we believe will be a valuable addition to Darwen’s fine Victorian centre."

The upper section of the scheme, next to Railway Road, will have seating and decorative planting, while the middle zone focuses on commerce reusing some former storage units under Railway Road.

The lower area will be a flexible events space with ‘amphitheatre-style’ seating and space for a stage in front of the Town Hall.

The controversially-closed market hall is scheduled for demolition in November with a temporary tarmac surface put down in time for the Christmas lights.