A £5 MILLION revamp of Burnley bus station has been unveiled today.

Manchester-based developers Modus Properties are lodging an application with Burnley Council this week to develop the 80,000 sq ft site.

If approval is gained for the site, which is jointly owned by Modus and Burnley Council, work could begin in spring or summer next year, with the bus station taking nine months and the 12 retail units completed in six months.

Managing director Brendan Flood said: "This development will considerably strengthen Burnley's role as a sub-regional centre and will satisfy a pent-up demand for new town centre units.

"We are aiming to provide an attractive, comfortable and efficient bus station which the local community can be proud of."

Proposals to build a new hotel and leisure complex where Safeway House stands have been shelved and instead Mr Flood said the company would be knocking down the 'added on' parts of the building including the former El Greco cafe, looking to attract a restaurant and pub for the lower part of the building and refurbishing the top floors.

Modus has owned the former Safeway supermarket and former tax office for two years but has been unable to lease the building.

Mr Flood said: "This scheme will lead to the rejuvenation of a part of Burnley which people consider to be poor.

"If it looks the part it will be a big winner. We are confident we can attract businesses to this area and we have had a lot of interest in the plans.

"Our proposals represent a quality development which will improve the urban fabric of the town centre and make a significant improvement to Burnley's daytime and evening trade."

The new bus station will front Centenary Way with 18 bus bays.

A tinted glass concourse will replace the existing windy open stands and will accommodate shops, a cafe, public seating and the latest timetable information technology. Access to the buses will be via automatic doors.

Croft Street will become a buses-only mainly pedestrianised area with shops either side.

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