THE prime Ritz Corner site which has blighted the centre of Accrington for many years is set to be redeveloped.

The three-storey building, at the junction of Cannon Street and Church Street, was used by Barnes Furniture for 30 years until it closed down in 2005 and has been empty ever since.

Before that it was the Ritz cinema, which led to the area being known as Ritz Corner.

The building was badly damaged by a major fire in October 2011, which saw part of the town centre evacuated.

Reedley-based Avalon Town Planning has submitted a planning application to replace the roof and build shop fronts at the site.

The application, lodged with Hyndburn Council earlier this week, also states that some remedial work has been going on at the site since early March.

Detailed future plans for the site have not been submitted at this stage.

Hyndburn council leader, Miles Parkinson, said he welcomed a planning application for the site and would be taking a keen interest in the intentions to redevelop the ‘prime town centre location’.

A council report earlier this year said that a number of ‘ugly’ buildings in the town, including the former Barnes Furniture store, were ‘overshadowing the rest of the area’.

The fire caused major damage to the top floor and loft section.

Prior to the blaze it was hoped the building would be taken over by a retailer so it would again become a store.

The former cinema, valued at £700,000 eight years ago, was auctioned in February with a price tag of just £25,000.

The 8,500 sq ft site was described as having “development potential” by Pugh Auctions.

Councillor Parkinson, said: “Any appropriate investment in this site will be welcomed, providing the plans are in character with the surroundings.

“It’s been vacant and a blight on that part of the town centre for far too long.”