Petrol station plan for Bacup Hub
THE former Bacup Hub site could become a petrol service station and drive through retail outlet, it’s been announced.
Plans have been unveiled by forecourt operator Euro Garages to transform the town’s former leisure hall site, on Burnley Road.
The Blackburn-based operator has revealed it bought the site in April this year and says its proposals will create new jobs and training opportunities for local residents.
In a statement, Euro Garages said: “The company is proposing to completely transform the site to create a sustainable – and economically beneficial – new development.
“The proposed development will encourage motorists to stop in the town and will be a valuable facility for local people, either to purchase fuel or for convenience retail.”
The company said a planning application will be submitted to Rossendale council imminently.
In April, we revealed that council chiefs were looking for a fresh start for the hall, which has hosted public events and private functions for more than 20 years, after it was sold for £375,000 by Catherine Chadwick.
Bacup councillor Peter Steen cautiously welcomed the proposal. Currently there is only one service station in the town – a Texaco on Market Street.
He said: “Whilst I regret the loss of another piece of green area in Bacup I welcome the development as there is only one fuel station in Bacup and this new one will be much more accessible for residents of that part of Bacup and Weir.
“Also competition in this field can hopefully be of benefit for all residents.
“Furthermore I welcome the employment opportunities it will provide.”
Tom Jeremiah, senior planning manager at Euro Garages, said: “We are now proposing a sustainable new use, which will provide significant economic benefits such as jobs, training and infrastructure within Bacup.
“Euro Garages has a proven track record of delivering schemes such as this one, and we have found that even in economic downturns they perform well; generating employment and supporting economic growth.
“We are excited to be putting the proposals to Rossendale Borough Council for consideration and we look forward to working with them, and the community, in the months and years ahead.”
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