PLANS to develop a heritage railway station ‘at the heart of a town’ have been praised by community leaders.

East Lancashire Railway has submitted plans to revamp Rawtenstall Railway Station, costing around £600,000.

If given the green light, an L-shaped platform canopy spanning the entire length of the station will be built.

Led by Bury-based Equilibrium Architects, a new 37-metre station building would be constructed which would accommodate a cafe, kitchen, activity and community room, a tourist information centre with toilet and baby changing facilities.

Cllr Andy MacNae, Rossendale Council's tourism boss, said the railway was an asset to the town.

The Buffer Stops bar would be expanded under the plans and a new station forecourt would be built, which would see the remodelling of the outside space, sheltered cycle stands and picnic areas.

Mike Kelly, East Lancashire Railway chairman, said the plans mirror a very exciting time for the railway, as it has just seen record levels of growth in visitors and hosting a variety of events.

He said: “Working in partnership with Rossendale Council and Lancashire County Council, the redevelopment of Rawtenstall Station is one of our top priorities for the future which will see a doubling of the number of being jobs created and thousands of additional visitors using the facilities at the station and hopefully travelling on the railway.

“We have spent the last few months working with the team at Equilibrium Architects to come up with a design that is both in keeping with the station’s traditional appearance, yet boasting modern, high quality facilities.

“The East Lancashire Railway has been at the heart of Rawtenstall for the past 170 years and it is hoped that with the new development we will become an even greater part of the town and a key destination, for not only our passengers, but for our local community to enjoy.”

Similar plans to build a railway station canopy were refused in May 2016.

The railway station was built in the early 1990s.

Cllr MacNae, said: “It is potentially a great move for the town and the station.

“It is an asset we should be striving to keep hold of and through development like this we can.

“We should be proud of our heritage and I’m very pleased to see plans like this submitted.”

Jake Berry, Rossendale and Darwen’s MP, said: “I warmly welcome these exciting plans that will help attract more tourists to Rawtenstall.

“We are extremely lucky to have the East Lancashire Railway because through this we will have lots more people spend time in the town.”

Richard Shuttleworth, Equilibrium Architects director, said: “With these proposals Rawtenstall will have, for many years to come, a part of its proud railway heritage preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.”