A 300-YEAR-OLD spot on a canal could be transformed into a leisure attraction and community space.

Canal & River Trust, a charity that cares for 2,000 miles of the nation’s waterways, has submitted plans to Burnley Council to transform Finsley Gate Wharf in Burnley into a ‘hive of activity’ for the local community and visitors.

Known locally as Mile Wharf, it is one of the oldest wharves on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, dating from between 1700.

The grade II listed buildings, which include three warehouses, a canal cottage, outbuilding and blacksmith forge, are in a poor state of repair, having been unused for several years.

The project will see the site transformed into a leisure attraction and community and educational space, offering boat trips and boat hire, a café and visitor accommodation.

If approved, a function room and learning area will be built to allow local community groups and schools to find out about Burnley’s waterway heritage, wildlife and features.

Ian Sprott, trust development surveyor, said: “The site will become a real hive of canal-side activity for Burnley, offering a space where people can learn about the waterway environment, get out on the water, and simply spend time relaxing and enjoying the fresh air.”

Glenn Davidson and Lee Shepherd, directors at Finsley Gate Wharf Ltd, said: “We are both thrilled and excited by the regeneration of Finsley Gate Wharf and look forward to bringing new life to the area.

“Finsley Gate Wharf is going to become a national tourist destination that will make the people of Burnley proud.”

Burnley Council leader Mark Townsend said: “The restoration of Finsley Gate will help to kick-start the regeneration of the part of the historic Weavers’ Triangle area joining Burnley town centre and Burnley Wood.”

The planning application is expected to be decided in late spring.

Work could start over the summer and take around 12 months to complete.