A PROPOSED shopping complex for Accrington town centre has been bought by an investment company which looks after Blackburn Rovers owner Jack Walker's fortune.

Bilsdale Property Ltd, which was established to manage the Walker family's property interests, has agreed in principle to buy the proposed Accrington Market Square retail complex once it is built.

Last month this newspaper exclusively revealed that Hyndburn Council was set to agree a £1.3million sale of the retail complex, part of a planned shop and market development on and around the site of the 1960s covered market.

One large retail store is planned alongside a series of new, smaller shops.

The bus station has already been altered and Hyndburn Council is to hold talks with market traders who would be moved to two new market areas, one on part of the old bus station and one opposite the large new store.

Hyndburn Council director of regeneration Nigel Rix said: "This is fantastic news for Accrington. To have an investment from a company whose investors have such firm roots in East Lancashire is a real boost."

Council chiefs were today meeting representatives from Bilsdale and development company Helical Retail Ltd to iron out the fine details.

Bilsdale managing director Roger Kilty said: "The trustees of the Walker family have approved the principles of financing the scheme. The basic terms have been agreed.

"Our clients buy property and tend to keep it long-term. This proposed development in Accrington looks as though it will give the long-term growth they are looking for."

The council expects a planning application to be submitted soon and say the scheme could be complete by May 2001.

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