‘AMBITIOUS’ plans have been lodged to open a luxury wedding venue which could cater for up to 1,000 guests and create 60 jobs. 

Adeel Saleem has submitted plans to transform the former Winners Discount Megastore building into a restaurant, banqueting hall, wedding and events venue. 

The venue in New Hall Hey Road, Rawtenstall, would be used for ' high-end' functions, weddings, exhibitions and other large-scale events.
Mr Saleem said: “A planning application has been submitted and we are in the process of finalising things.

“The venue would cater for up to 1,000 guests and create over 60 jobs. 
"It would hold all types of weddings of any religion.

“The facility would be a boost to the local economy and bring a lot of people over from across the North West and Yorkshire.

“There is nothing like this type of facility in Rawtenstall and it will be high-end and luxurious. 

If planning permission is granted, it is hoped building work would start in April and the facility would open later this year. 

The building used to be a Kwik Save supermarket and was later occupied by Winners Discount and 99p Stores. The site has been empty since 2015.

The design and access statement, by Peter Harrison Architects on behalf of Mr Saleem, said the development will create demand for overnight accommodation within the town.

It reads: “The proposal will generate up to 30 directly employed sustainable jobs, with the opportunity for training of staff in facility management, catering and tourism.

“Indirectly there is significant benefit to suppliers, transport providers, hotels, bed and breakfast and general footfall in Rawtenstall.

“The removal of a sizeable retail unit will assist in sustaining the existing shops in Rawtenstall town centre by adding demand rather than direct competition.”

Longholme ward councillor Annie McMahon, from Rossendale Council, welcomed the plan.

She said: “Anything that restores the use of a currently empty building to a viable use is a good thing.

“This is an ambitious proposal that I support but will be looking at in more detail.”

The plans will be discussed at a future meeting of Rossendale Council's planning committee.