AN INITIAL phase of the £2 million revamp of Bacup town centre has been unveiled – and it should see the restoration of the landmark Pioneer Buildings clock.

Work on the Rochdale Road arcade has been pinpointed as the first part of the ambitious Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), backed by the National Lottery.

Not only will the 101-year-old parade be restored to its early-20th century glory but the clock tower, mechanism and stonework should be restored.

Jeanette Stone from Rossendale Council said: “The property is a key building within the town’s conservation area, and thus a priority for THI investment. In addition to general repair work, the THI-funded scheme seeks to restore the building’s historic character by installing new shop fronts in a more sympathetic design using authentic materials.

“The scheme also includes proposals to replace the existing windows with timber sash, which will be more sympathetic to the building and the wider townscape.”

The proposals, which have been agreed by the THI’s partnership board and produced by Bury-based Equilibrium Architects, are now lodged with Rossendale Council’s planning department.

Other re-pointing work and the rebuilding of the parapet wall are intended, along with tying work for stonework on the clock tower – some will not require planning permission.

Originally built as a Co-operative store in 1914, it is thought to take its name from a liaison with the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, where the movement began.

It is now home to the Conservative Club, at a first floor level, as well as Mannings Tearooms, Further consideration is expected to be given to the redevelopment of the main crossroads around St James Square, where Market Street, Burnley Road, Yorkshire Street and Rochdale Road meet.

Town centre traders were not convinced at initial £400,000 plans to create a more pedestrian-friendly junction, with room to stage streets fairs, was not universally welcomed.

An online petition and Facebook group was also established to safeguard the future of the historic fountain in the middle of the roundabout, which dates back to the Festival of Britain in 1951.