YEARS of uncertainty over an historic Darwen building could be over after the owners vowed to turn it into apartments.

Peter Lynch, director of Rochdale-based Cottonloft Ltd, said plans were with Blackburn with Darwen Council to build 43 apartments within the former technical school, on the corner of Knott Street and Union Street.

If approved, work would start on the 112-year-old building in the next couple of months.

Several previous applications had been submitted but none ever came to fruition.

Cottonloft Ltd was given permission for 34 apartments in 2004 but the company put work on hold due to a disagreement over the architectural plans.

Now the company has resubmitted the scheme and is keen to complete the development of the one and two-bedroom apartments by the end of the year.

Mr Lynch said: "There was a delay because the architect originally had five of the 34 apartments bigger than a four-bedroom house and much too big. We plan to put in large skirting boards and keep the high ceilings, mixing the old historical building with a contemporary look and a feeling of grandeur. A lot of people have written to us with their good memories of the school."

No alterations would be made to the outside of the building and the owners are also hoping to maintain the character of the building inside.

It has stood empty since it was last used as Darwen Moorland High School's lower school up to 1994.

Darwen councillor Dave Smith said: "If it is acceptable, we are hopeful that the developers will soon start the work."

Feelings about the future of the building have often run high, with a 3,200-strong petition collected by the Darwen Against Demolition Committee in 1994 when the county council applied to knock it down.

Campaigner Derek Brindle, of Church Terrace, today said: "This is wonderful news that this building, which I feel is the best in the borough, will remain and hopefully fit in with the major refit of the town centre."