VIEWS are being sought on future options for a historic East Lancs building which could become town-houses, an events space, an electric car charging area or be partly demolished.
Trafalgar House, on Market Street, next to Nelson Town Hall, was recently bought by Pendle Council. It has been empty for some years.
It was originally built as Nelson Technical School and in later years was used by Nelson & Colne College and Lancashire County Council.
Now people are being asked for their views on future options which could include redevelopment for homes, offices or an electric vehicle charging car park .
Other ideas include a ‘flexible box’ with a lightweight enclosure inside the old stone façade. The council says the historic façade will be kept whatever option is chosen.
The Trafalgar House consultation exercise comes amid a range of projects in Nelson, linked to the £25m Nelson Town Deal, which the borough and county council, education, business and community representatives.
Council chiefs have a Nelson Masterplan linked to the town deal which includes ideas to improve traffic, pedestrian and cycle routes, breathe new life into old buildings, promote new housing developments and possibly demolish or redevelop Pendle Rise shopping centre, which could be compulsorily purchased.
Council leader Cllr Nadeem Ahmed, on Trafalgar House, said: “The building has a very attractive front but is now in a poor state of repair. We’re considering a number of options which have been put forward by David Morley Architects to either repair, partially demolish or redevelop the building.
“This is all part of our plans to make Nelson an attractive and vibrant town centre once again, using funding secured through the Nelson Town Deal.”
London-based David Morley Architects say the building could be repaired and converted into housing and commercial use.
Or it could be partially demolished and similarly redeveloped. Additional car parking could be created with electric vehicle charging points.
People can view the full options on Pendle Council’s website and add their comments, The consultation period will close next Thursday.
Cllr Ahmed added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to tackle this building which has been vacant for a long time. Please have a look at the options and tell us what you like best. Your views will be considered when deciding the final options."
Final options will be decided in the coming months and will be subject to financial viability and planning permission.
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