THE next phase of a £2million project to refurbish some of Bacup’s most historical buildings has begun.

The renovation of The Real Building and numbers 23 to 21 in St James Street is being undertaken by Accrington-based Rosslee Construction and Equilibrium Architects.

The work comes as part of a five-year Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) to restore shop fronts, reinstate architectural features and bring vacant floor space back to use.

The first phase saw work completed on the Pioneer Buildings, the RSPCA shop in St James Street.

As part of the drive to include people in the project, residents have already been on site being trained in some traditional building skills.

Megan Eastwood, Bacup THI’s project manager, said: “I’m delighted that the second phase of this exciting project is now underway.

“We want to build on the fantastic work already carried out as part of the Bacup THI and help create an even more attractive environment for pedestrians, visitors and potential investors.”

As part of the project, the team is hosting drop-in sessions in Bacup library every Monday from 10am to noon and Wednesday 1pm and 3pm, to provide information

Initial work has also already begun on part of phase three.