A FORMER town centre nightclub will be transformed into a number of ‘luxury’ apartments.

Applicant Steven McPherson of Hammerton Ltd submitted plans to Burnley Council to build 26 flats and an office or gym space at the former Lava Ignite site, in Burnley, back in October.

Last week Burnley Council bosses approved plans to convert the nightclub into new living accommodation in Hammerton Street.

The complex, which will be renamed ‘The Foundry’, will include ‘large, luxurious, high-quality apartments’ for the higher end of the market.

It will see a mixture of one and two-bed homes constructed on the first and second floor of the Grade II-listed building.

The ground floor will now have the potential to become a commercial unit, three smaller units or an extra facility for its occupants, such as a gym, the applicant said in its planning statement.

There could also be a disabled parking and ramp access to the apartments to allow wheelchair users independently access the complex.

Prior to becoming a nightclub in 2001, where thousands of clubbers used to pass its doors, the building was the former iron works and foundry for James Proctor.

He was the inventor of the mechanical stoker and various other patented mechanisms that allowed the steam engines to run automatically.

Part of the complex was also used as a skating rink, a popular pastime during the late 19th century with Burnley having a total of eight skating rinks at one time.

Allan Armstrong, who is the owner of Brunlea Travel, which sits opposite the former nightclub, said: "We are quite happy.

"It will at last be used and when developed should improve the area.

"It will bring the area up and could help to make it trendy around this area again. It's good news."

Cllr Shah Hussan, who represents the area on Burnley Council, said: “I have seen the plans and I hope they come into fruition.

“The nightclub in that part of the town has been derelict for over a year now.

“I have seen the plans and its brining high quality living into Burnley town centre.

“The area is also close by to Manchester Road station so it’

Cllr Wajid Khan, who also represents the area, said he was delighted that money was being spent on the redevelopment in the town.

He said: "It's important to see more town centre strategy in terms of using the properties that live there and I think this is a good sign.

"We welcome investment into Burnley regeneration as a key priority for the council and good to see the derelict buildings back for community use in Burnley."

The applicant were unable to provide a comment.