BURNLEY'S former county courthouse is to be knocked down as part of plans for a major new shopping centre.

Developers Henry Boot will buy up the building to make way for the 250,000 sq ft complex.

The red-brick courthouse has been empty since the court was moved to the Burnley Crown Court complex in Hammerton Street more than a decade ago.

An outline planning application is expected to be submitted in the next few months.

Two major department stores are vying for the prime position of 'anchor' in the £50million development, one of which is believed to be Debenhams.

The Oval will include a flagship department store, 22 two-storey shop units and space for restaurants and bars, with an oval public space to replace the town's Peace Gardens featuring an outdoor cinema screen.

It has been hailed by town centre bosses as Burnley's biggest-ever development.

Seven stores in Curzon Street also face being knocked down to make room for the centre on the former Pioneer Co-op site.

Simon Dew, regional manager of Henry Boot Developments North West, said: "The proposed acquisition of the courthouse is a major step forward."

Mayor of Burnley and chairman of the town's civic society, Roger Frost, said the courthouse was in poor condition but added: "We would like to see a part of the ornamental work preserved. There is some very good stone carving."