AN AMBITIOUS plan to transform the area around Brierfield Mill has taken a giant stride foward.

Pendle Council's Executive authorised bids to buy land and businesses next to the landmark as part of its £25million plan.

Evermore Wellbeing Ltd has signed a deal with Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration Limited (PEARL) to build 60 flats at the site, which will be known as Northlight. A retirement village is set to become a first tenant of the scheme.

The council hope to buy the Railway Tavern, in Clitheroe Road, the car sales business and the tyre sales garage in Clitheroe Road and getting the leasehold around the gasometer near junction 12 of the M65.

Leader of Pendle Councillor, Joe Cooney said: “This is an important part of making Northlight a vibrant new working, living and cultural quarter for the region.

“The Railway Tavern has been empty for many years and has become an eyesore but it’s a piece of the area’s history and we want to make it an attractive part of the Northlight complex."

Negotiations are already under way to find funding from Lancashire County Council and the Government’s Homes And Communities Agency to buy the land.

And discussions have been held with the owners of both the car sales and tyre garage who’ve said they are willing to sell and relocate if they can find alternative premises.

The mill is currently owned by PEARL – Pendle Enterprise And Regeneration Limited – a joint venture company of Pendle Council and local developer Barnfield Investment Properties.

Julie Whittaker, Pendle Council’s Economic and Housing Regeneration Manager, said: “If plans go ahead, PEARL will redevelop the area in order to transform the environment leading up to the mill to ensure Northlight is shown to its best advantage, in an impressive setting and a greener landscape.”

Tim Webber, Managing Director of Barnfield who, along with Joe, is a leading member of the PEARL Board, said: “We are moving ahead to make our vision for Northlight a reality. As a local company we feel passionately about it. In the years to come this will be a thriving new destination for the whole region.

“Northlight will be a fantastic place to live, work and enjoy leisure time, with a new marina and pub, apartments and a canal-side terrace looking out to Pendle Hill.”