REVISED proposals for Rawtenstall’s new £3.5 million bus station have gone on show — as part of the first phase of the former Valley Centre square redevelopment.

Plans for a light and airy bus terminal, with single and double deckers arriving from Bacup Road and passengers arriving via Bank Street and Kay Street, have been thrown open for public consultation.

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Council bosses hope it will kickstart a wider scheme which will bring a combined retail, office and leisure complex at the heart of the town.

Council leader Coun Alyson Barnes said that the authority had “listened” to the finding of an initial survey, last March, in drawing up the adapted scheme.

She said: “The green roofs have gone. People wanted more parking so we have created more parking. There will be less retail and people wanted more open space, which we have been able to include.

“Others wanted a leisure aspect so we are looking to incorporate that. And we will be going back to people again before we apply for planning permission.”

The borough council is partnered with Barnfield Developments in the venture, after acquiring the land from ex-owners Ashcap, who never progressed on their own proposals for the site.

Later phases of the initiative are expected to outline how shops, homes and offices will be positioned, but the aim will be to ensure there will be an open aspect to Bank Street.

“It is an exciting proposal and we are committed to consultation and listening to people,” added Coun Barnes.

If planning permission is secured before the end of the year then work could begin on the new bus station next spring.

The public can view the new masterplan at Longholme Methodist Church from 10am to 2pm tomorrow.