Action to begin on major revamp of town centre

STUART PIKE

COUNCIL chiefs say work on a High Street Heritage Action Zone is to begin after £1.085m in grant funding was confirmed.

Rossendale council applied successfully to Historic England for funding to restore and repurpose 22 buildings in Bacup, as we reported last September.

Properties, including the former Regal Cinema, will be given a new lease of life and see their architectural features refurbished using traditional materials and techniques. Other buildings will be repurposed to better meet the needs of the local community. There is also a public realm element which includes interpretation and art work to add vibrancy to the town centre. In addition to this a Cultural Consortium is being established to develop and deliver a great range of cultural activities to establish and sustain a new offer on the high street.

Coun Jackie Oakes, cabinet member for Bacup 2040, said: “We will look to restore the historical features and heritage that

●● Work on a High Street Heritage Action Zone in Bacup is to begin after £1.085m in grant funding was confirmed. (This picture was taken before social distancing requirements)

Bacup is widely known for. Town Centres are struggling across the country and have taken a further decline due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. The High Street

Heritage Action Zone funding will not only preserve these buildings but will also repurpose much needed and under-used space to enable more community and cultural uses. The range of community engagement activities and training opportunities we have planned are innovative and will truly make this a project the whole community can get involved in.”

Council leader Alyson Barnes said: “Even though we face dark times at the moment, work is continuing to bring about lasting change to our borough.”

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