A NEW wave of modern town centre living could be on the cards in Burnley as council bosses look to convert former offices into 21st century apartments and homes.

Council chiefs are also aiming to work with the University of Central Lancashire to create more student accommodation within central Burnley, to support the institution's ongoing expansion.

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And proposals for a fresh set of starter homes have been confirmed at the former Clock Tower Mill, as part of the continuing regeneration of the Weavers' Triangle district.

But it is plans for the grade II listed empty council offices, in Nicholas Street and Parker Lane, which may prove most intriguing for would-be househunters locally.

Brian Hobbs, chairman of Burnley Chamber of Trade, said: "We have got to get people back living in town centres if they are going to be successful. It helps to create so many other economies, especially in the evenings.

"Why shouldn't Burnley be exciting as the Northern Quarter in Manchester after all? We've got the buildings, which wouldn't naturally lend themselves to retail, and this would make the best use of them. For a while now Burnley has had a glut of office space which was never going to be filled."

Authority staff have vacated the premises, which formerly housed the borough's licensing section and the county education office, in recent years following a number of internal council reorganisations.

Under a new town centre strategy, it has been revealed that the council is seeking a joint venture partner to make the most of their stone-built assets, which date back to 1927 and part of which formed the original Burnley Building Society offices.

Recently the council has relaunched its town centre partnership, which will meet quarterly to review progress on the strategy and other issues, as well as drafting a regular newsletter for traders.

Cllr Sue Graham, the borough's executive member for regeneration, launching the town centre strategy, said: "Burnley, as a town, has made major progress in regenerating and rejuvenating itself in recent years.

"It's my role to ensure that we continue to drive forward with ambitious plans to transform Burnley, making it an even more attractive place where people choose to work, live and visit. This strategy sets out our clear vision for Burnley town centre and how we will work towards achieving it."

Kate Ingram, the council's head of regeneration, said: "Like all town centres throughout the country, changes in shopping habits, retailing and leisure patterns mean that it needs to adapt and change.

"The success of Burnley town centre is central to the wider economic strategy for the borough. The town centre needs to carve out a high quality retail offer and combine this with a wider leisure, cultural and social experience during the day and into the evening."

Pino Cafasso, who runs the new Italian restaurant, The Palazzo, at the corner of Nicholas Street and Grimshaw Street in the former NatWest Bank, also welcomed the prospect of new apartment living.

He said: "It's a very good idea. I have tried my best to bring a little sparkle to this area of Burnley and if the council wants to do something like this then I would support them."