ANOTHER landmark building in the heart of Burnley looks set to be transformed into quality housing.

In the latest boost for the borough’s ‘town centre living’ push, two adjoining Grade II-listed buildings in Nicholas Street have been earmarked for redevelopment.

Once home to Poor Law Union offices and offshoots of the former Oddfellows Club, the mid-19th Century edifices were used latterly as offices by Burnley Council.

AJP Surveyors now wants to adapt the block, which also has openings into Elizabeth Street and Thomas Street, into 31 apartments.

Supporters of the scheme are arguing, as the site has been on the market for around five years, that there is little commercial interest in the location.

An asking price of £550,000 was suggested for the council-owned buildings, to reflect the amount of refurbishment work which may be required. But there were no successful takers.

Planning agent Matthew Wyatt said: “It can be concluded that despite a prolonged period of vacancy, there is very limited interest in the re-use of the building for (offices) or other commercial purposes.

“This is significantly affected by both the size of the site and cost of extensive repair and maintenance works when a range of modern and readily available commercial units are on the market.”

Under the surveyors’ submissions, there would be 25 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments created, across the ground, first and second floors of the complex.

One section of the building, rebuilt in the 1960s, said to have a 'negative impact' on the historic setting, will be remodelled so it is more in-keeping with the general surroundings.

Heritage expert Emma Adams added: “The works will facilitate the occupation and viable new use of the presently-vacant building, which will both secure the long-term rehabilitation of the listed building, preserving its significance whilst also animating and better utilising this area of the conservation area.”

The register office and former education offices, at the other end of Nicholas Street, have also been earmarked for residential usage.

In the past few months the former Cattle Market pub and neighbouring solicitors’ offices have been converted for housing and similar work is continuing on the old Endsleigh Insurance offices.