A NEW look has been drafted for Rawtenstall’s long-awaited bus station – but the fresh approach has not pleased every critic.

Proposals for the new public transport interchange, which will also incorporate retail units, have been redrafted following an extensive public consultation exercise.

But the Friends of Rawtenstall group is still concerned that a portion of the old town hall will be demolished as part of the recommissioned plans.

The remaining portion of the town hall will be converted into offices, according to applicants the RTB Partnership, removing this element from the bus station building.

Council leader Cllr Alyson Barnes said: “It has taken us a little while to get there but I think this version of the scheme is a definite improvement and reflects many of the comments made by people during the consultation process.”

Gareth Smith, RTB director, added: “The changes in the scheme represent a lot of hard work to deliver a scheme of merit in both architectural and commercial terms and will hopefully now been seen as something that adds value to the town without overshadowing the current landscape.”

Kevin Ruth, a deputy chief executive of Together Housing Group and an RTB board member, said: “The RTB Partnership has taken time to reflect on the feedback received and responded with proposals that will enhance the town centre while still retain its existing character.”

For several years there has been county council funding totalling £3.5 million towards the new bus station and there have been a number of attempts to kickstart the replacement of the existing Bacup Road terminus.

An increase in parking spaces of 12 has been incorporated into the new plans, which will be either long-stay or three-hour waiting rather than being restricted to one hour.

Peter Wood, chairman of the Friends of Rawtenstall, said: “These plans will still see half of the old town hall demolished and they don’t appear to consider the effects on the town centre as a whole, so we still have concerns.”

Supporters of the scheme say only the ‘newer’ portion of the town hall will be pulled down, while retaining and refurbishing the more historic aspect of the Bacup Road landmark.