Approximately 80 new jobs could be created if major plans to transform the Glen Mills site are given the green light.
Last month we reported that proposals are set to be submitted to Pendle Council to turn the North Valley Road plot into a Lidl, Marston’s pub and small industrial units.
Now a Lidl spokesman has confirmed that the plans, which include 131 car parking spaces, could provide a real boost to the local economy – opening up a number of full and part time employment opportunities.
They also added that an open day held for residents this month “was well attended” and that the vast majority of people showed support to the combined proposal.
In a flyer distributed to 1,000 homes, it states: “Our proposals will transform the derelict site into a modern, attractive development.
“This will not only bring Lidl’s popular range of quality products at discount prices, but also Marston’s value for money food and drink offers – the combined proposals will offer significant new employment opportunities to the Colne area.”
Among those welcoming the new plans are Leader of Pendle Council, Coun Joe Cooney and local historian Geoff Crambie.
Coun Cooney said: “Glen Mills is a site I’ve been working to get back into use for a couple of years so I’m happy we might finally have a use for it.”
Mr Crambie told the Colne Times how the Glen Mills site has now been derelict for at least five years, having opened as a mill in 1906.
He is happy to see that it could be developed, but is keen that the building’s Edwardian datestone is preserved.
The Colne Times columnnist said: “It will be sad to see the building demolished, but it has been left so long now that it looks like a bomb site.
“Something has to be done, as the other side of North Valley has been completely revived.
“It will be another feather in the cap for Bonnie Colne – the town has really turned around because of businesses, large and small.”
More details on the full proposal will be reported when a valid application is submitted to Pendle Council.
Following Mr Crambie’s request, a Lidl spokesman confirmed that they will be looking at preserving the datestone if plans go ahead.