Derelict former cinema could be transformed into shops and apartments

Plans have been submitted to Hyndburn Council to change the Ritz Cinema in Church Street into 15 apartments and three retail units.

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A total of 12 one-bedroom flats and three two bedroom flats would be built if the plans are approved.

Cllr Tony Dobson, who represents the ward, said he hopes the move will bring life to the area.

He said: “Any development to that side of town is very welcome.

“The problem with old buildings sometimes is what else can you do with them other than houses?

“But I am happy with the proposals and I hope it gets sorted as quick as possible.

“As ward councillor I would be happy with the developers and give any help to bring that part of the development back to life.”

The picture house opened on January 9, 1922, before being remodelled and opened as the Ritz Cinema in 1934.

It was closed in August 1958 and was converted into Barnes Furniture store which closed in 2005.

During its time as a vacant building it was damaged by a fire in October 2011.

If plans go ahead, the new shops would offer six full-time positions and three part-time roles.

The three shops are to be provided at the ground floor level set back so as to allow disabled access.

Flats will be over three floors and accessed via the existing staircase plus and additional staircase to reach the third floor.

The heritage statement for the plans, submitted by Mr Manzur from Earby, said: “The design of the building is trying to incorporate some similar features to the cinema at the front facade whilst giving a new lease of life by incorporating shops on the lower floor.

“The flats on the upper three floors will bring some people back into the town centre, whilst retaining and restoring a dilapidated structure.”

The building was damaged in a fire in 2011 after a blaze hit the top of of the former Barnes furniture store and a number of people were evacuated.

The council will make a decision in the coming months.