A UNIVERSITY, new rail station and a major programme of public art could help Burnley's regeneration over the next 20 years, according to a new report.

The study, commissioned by the Town Centre Partnership, sets out ideas for how the town centre could develop in order to boost its economic and social prospects.

The purpose of the report is to provide the town and the North West Development Agency with an overview of the best programme for change.

Many of the ideas will never come to fruition but town centre managers hope it will help them work out a plan of action for the future development of Burnley.

The report, produced by consultancy Urban Strategies, concentrates on three main areas for improvement.

The first, strengthening the attractiveness of the town centre and improving retail, includes the redevelopment of the former Co-op store site, moving the markets to another location and developing St James's Street and Hammerton Street.

Other suggestions include lighting all remaining mill buildings and chimneys, lobbying the Government for a university for the town and redeveloping the Place de Vitry next to the library as an office quarter.

It also suggests enhancing the approaches to Burnley for visitors including environmental improvements to the roundabouts and looking at replacing Manchester Road and Central Station with a new parkway station to the west of the town.

The third area highlights unique projects such as developing the Weaver's Triangle.

The report states: "Burnley must more clearly identify the major drivers for physical and economic regeneration within the town centre and pursue them vigorously.

"The continuing stagnation and even decline of economic activity, population and quality of the urban environment must be effectively checked at a new level of stable equilibrium and a coherent, compelling vision of Burnley as a vibrant, pleasant place to live, work and enjoy life, established."

Town centre manager, Lisa Durkin, said: "This report gives us a starting point for action. We now need to look at the report and work with the North West Development Agency and the council to develop a plan for action for improving the town."