Shopping centre could be demolished earlier than thought

The demolition of Nelson's Pendle Rise shopping centre may commence earlier next year than first anticipated. The original plan was for work to begin in October 2025, once Pendle Council had full control over the entire site and all shop traders had been relocated.

However, progress has been made in several areas, including supporting traders through the current Christmas period, dealing with vermin, and planning for telecoms masts, the Nelson Town Deal Board has been told. The board was set up to oversee the £25million Nelson Town Deal, agreed under a previous Conservative government.

Town boards across the UK typically comprise a small number of publicly-elected councillors, a local MP - in this case Labour's Jonathan Hinder - and non-elected individuals from private businesses, developers, community, health and police representatives. Neil Rockett, shop director of Pendle Nutrition at Pendle Rise, represents retailers.

The board's latest meeting included updates on Pendle Rise and town deal budgets, as well as other plans to revitalise Nelson, including work by Lancashire County Council. Richard Savory from Raise Partnership is collaborating with Pendle Council and provided various updates on Nelson town centre, reports Lancs Live.

He said: "Since purchasing Pendle Rise, Pendle Council with the management operator, Beddows Ltd, have repaired key operating systems and dealt with a vermin infestation. The centre continues operating relatively smoothly. There are some issues still, such as the absence of operational heating around the main areas, which is a problem at this time of year. But we are running a safe and compliant centre."

"The project team has ramped-up marketing and communications to support the existing retaile