‘FINS’ are looking up for rail travellers arriving in Burnley from the rest of Lancashire and Yorkshire.

An iconic new design has been devised for the prospective new Manchester Road station, the Lancashire Telegraph can reveal.

Last week it emerged that architects had gone back to the drawing board, after deciding that the original station house was not fit for 21st century use and should be demolished.

And with a large blue central fin, passing motorists and would-be commuters are not likely to miss the proposed replacement.

Large amounts of glazing are included in the blueprints, so the building can take advantage of natural light during the day.

Reclaimed stone blocks will also be used during the construction, to fit in with the general outlook of Burnley town centre.

Architect Aaron Francis said: “The new-build modern design aims to deliver a new gateway into Burnley and provide a key part of the overall regeneration of the Weavers’ Triangle.

“It is considered that the benefits of delivering a modern, functional and energy-efficient building will be more sustainable and practical than retaining the existing building.

“The benefits of this outweigh the loss of a locally-listed building.

“It is intended that the fin will be visible from outside the site from Manchester Road to highlight the improved facilities for the public.”

Passenger services are expected to begin to Manchester, from Burnley Manchester Road, in May 2014, once rebuilding work is completed on Holme Tunnel, in the Holme Chapel area of Cliviger, earlier that year.