PLANS are being drawn up to reinvigorate Rawtenstall’s night-time economy and people have been encouraged to have their say.

Rossendale Council’s tourism chief Cllr Andy MacNae is looking to improve the evening activities on offer as part of the ‘Spinning Point project’.

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Phase one has now begun with boards being put up around the site of the new £3.5million bus station which will see the partial demolition of the old town hall.

However Cllr MacNae is already looking to phase two of the project, where he wants to see a boosted nighttime economy such as bars, restaurants and a cinema.

The Hareholme ward representative said: “It’s not just about getting a nightlife with lots of bars, the masterplan is about improving the evening entertainment.

“We’ve heard from a lot people that they want a cinema in the area, and we want to get a range of nice restaurants and bars in town.

“Places like The Hop micro pub are great for people in the area, it offers that combination of great bars and great food that people want to see.

“But we want to get people involved and hear from them about what they want to see, and we want business to get in touch with us with their ideas.”

The second phase of the project will see 22 homes built on the former Valley Centre site and the building of new leisure facilities around Kay Street and Bacup Road.

New retail units are going to be created as part of the work which could become home to a variety of businesses.

Bosses behind the plans want to see investment of up to £20m in the town as part of the project.

Cllr MacNae has looked at Ramsbottom as an example of a revitalisation that has been a success.

He said: “I’m hopeful of the move that it can be a great thing for the town.

“It means people will want to move and live in the area and stay here.

“You look at Ramsbottom and that is a great example. The bars, restaurants and facilities they have on offer go down really well.

“It’s the sort of space that is great for food and drink, we should be able to get a few really good cafes in the area too.

“The cinema would be the main thing, it’s something that would provide a great asset for people young and old.”

Further consultation on future phases of the project will be carried out over the next month.

Council leader Cllr Alyson Barnes said: “Currently we have a strong town centre, but we can build on that.

“I think if we can get new facilities that increase footfall then that will be a great thing for everyone and encourage people to come.”