PLANS for a £26M revamp of the run-down Whitebirk Retail Park on the Hyndburn-Blackburn boundary have been revived.
Site owners Peel Holdings say the scheme could attract four top retailers - Next, Boots, Asda and Arcadia - and lead to the creation of around 500 jobs.
A similar scheme was turned down by Hyndburn Council's Planning Committee last year amid fears that it could lure shoppers away from Accrington town centre.
But now Peel Holdings is ready to try again and has resubmitted a planning application to "radically improve and refurbish" the retail park.
The plan would transform its layout and appearance but not increase the overall size. It would include the removal of overhead electricity pylons, high-quality landscaping and improved vehicle access.
And negotiations have already begun to set up a bus link with Accrington town centre in the hope of encouraging shoppers to spend money at both destinations.
But planning approval is needed for the partial removal of the "bulky goods" restriction on the site, which would allow new stores to operate alongside existing retailers such as MFI and Currys.
Gareth Finch, property manager at Peel Holdings, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to bring investment, jobs and improved shopping choice to Hyndburn.
"A number of stores want to open shops at Whitebirk to add to their existing shops in nearby town centres, which is exactly what has happened at places such as Preston and Bolton.
"If Hyndburn Council agrees to relax the current restrictions, this will happen, together with the associated massive job creation and environmental improvements.
"Research shows that the 'do-nothing' approach is not an option as people will continue to travel beyond Accrington and Blackburn to access the type of shops they want.
"The upgrading of Whitebirk is a local alternative just waiting to happen and we look forward to hearing people's views on this."
A special three-day exhibition stand at Whitebirk to show the public the proposals, opened yesterday (Thurs) and will continue today from 10am to 4pm and tomorrow from 12 noon to 6pm. The plans will go before the Planning Committee later this year.
Michael Whewell of Hyndburn Chamber of Trade, said the group was not aware of the re-submitted plans.
He added: "Last time, our fears were that the development would take away business from the town centre.
"We were worried this could lead to more empty shops. If they have re-submitted plans they will have made some concessions and it will be interesting to see what they are."
