THE Canal & River Trust has received planning permission to transform Finsley Gate Wharf in Burnley into a leisure, education and community attraction.

The trust’s vision for the canal-side site, known locally as Mile Wharf, began to take shape three years ago.

Since then the trust has secured a further £2.2million from HLF’s Heritage Enterprise Programme and this week planning permission was granted by Burnley Council.

Work is expected to start this summer and should take around a year to complete.

Working with the future tenants of the site, Finsley Gate Wharf Ltd, the plans will transform the Grade II-listed buildings - three warehouses, a canal cottage, outbuilding and blacksmith forge - and the outdoor space, into a centre offering boat trips and boat hire, a café and visitor accommodation, as well as a function room and learning area for local community and school groups.

Ian Sprott, development surveyor at the trust, said: “Approval of our Finsley Gate development plans is great news and we’re excited to see this important heritage site be transformed into an attractive visitor destination and a hub of activity for the local community.

“With the support of HLF, the council, Finsley Gate Wharf Ltd and the local community, this promises to be an exciting space where people can learn about the canal and enjoy the fantastic wellbeing benefits of spending time on or near the water.”

Council chief executive Mick Cartledge said: “This scheme will breathe new life into an historic part of the borough and help create a regeneration link between the Weavers’ Triangle and Burnley Wood.

“The new development will draw in more visitors to Burnley and tap into the economic and tourism potential of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.”