ONE of Bacup’s most iconic buildings is due to receive a refurbishment grant of over £300,000 from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF).

The former Yorkshire & Lancashire Bank building on the corner of Market Street, which was built in 1878, is due to be converted into a mixed commercial and residential space with ground floors used to host local businesses and the upper floors providing flats and sheltered accommodation for vulnerable young people.

Charity Valley Heritage will be working to ensure it retains its historic character.

Chair of Valley Heritage Stephen Anderson said: “Valley Heritage and our partners have worked incredibly hard to get to this point in a short space of time.

"The project will provide homes and shared workspace at the heart of the town centre, supporting initiatives such as High Street Heritage Action Zone and, fingers crossed, Bacup’s bid for the Future High Streets Fund.

“The confidence AHF have shown in the project will certainly help with this.”