FYLDE Borough Council looks set to say goodbye to its historic town hall after striking a deal with developers.

The St Annes offices will be replaced with a 'landmark building of high architectural interest' by Deeside based, David McLean Developers.

The firm, which has been named as the council's preferred developer, says it has consulted Government watchdog, the Commission for the Built Environment and English Heritage about the town hall site.

Council chiefs say the new civic buildings will 'revolutionise' services for the public with 60,000sq ft office space, customer contact points and new civic facilities.

David McLean Developments will also be responsible for ensuring the maximum receipts from selling off current council property and have already applied for outline planning permission on several existing depots.

A search has now been launched for a new home for the council, with sites across the borough set to come under the microscope. The council and the developers say they will launch a consultation exercise before giving any scheme the go-ahead.

Mark McNamee, managing director of David McLean Developments, said: "We are delighted to be working with Fylde Borough Council and are confident that we will be able to revolutionise the service it provides, benefiting both the public and the Council.

"We can demonstrate our proven track record in partnering with the public sector and provide an all encompassing service delivery in strategic property development, housing provision and construction."

Ken Lee, chief executive of the council, added: "The council intends to make itself more available and accessible to local residents and demonstrate that it is an efficient organization capable of responding to the needs of a modern society.

"David McLean Developments was selected because they can provide an unrivalled service delivery in housing provision and construction and we are pleased that they will be helping us to provide the highest standard of service in Fylde.