BOTANY Bay has closed its doors for the final time on Wednesday.

The landmark mill, which is off junction 8 of the M61 at Chorley, officially shut to allow for development of the Botany Bay Outlet Village.

FI Real Estate Management will soon be taking the first steps towards delivering their exciting new outlet shopping destination in Chorley.

The much-anticipated Botany Bay Outlet Village will see 37 hectares of land split by the Leeds to Liverpool Canal redeveloped into a 300,000 sq ft retail outlet village.

It is being designed to complement Botany Bay’s rich industrial heritage, the ambitious plans include the refurbishment of the iconic Victorian cotton mill, which will sit at the heart of the new mixed-use development.

A spokesperson for FI Real Estate Management, said: “The reinvention of Botany Bay has been in the planning for a number of years and we are excited to have created a masterplan that blends premium outlet retail, quality housing and valuable employment uses.

“Botany Bay has a rich heritage and we have put the site’s industrial history at the heart of the designs for this truly unique development. Our vision is to create a flagship outlet shopping destination for the North West, which not only attracts visitors to the area and creates local jobs but also acts as a catalyst for further investment in Chorley and the borough.”

A post on the Botany Bay Facebook page said: "Sorry, we're now closed. But don't worry it's not goodbye.

"Botany Bay is closing for refurbishment and redevelopment and we're really excited about what's coming.

"For now we'd like to say thank you for your custom and we hope to see you again soon.

The Chorley-based asset and property management company is engaging with local businesses and partnering with Chorley Council’s Economic Growth team to ensure that the development provides training and employment opportunities for local people.

The site will also house up to 288 residential homes and provide space for significant employment uses.