Royal opening of ACE Centre

HRH will be in the town on November 11 to officially open the £6.5m building which aims to make Nelson a vibrant place once again.

And as his visit is taking place on Armistice Day, The Duke will attend a special Remembrance Service in Nelson's new Memorial Square, in front of the library.

The Duke will join a large congregation which will include members of the Royal British Legion, the Lord-Lieutenant and the High Sheriff of Lancashire together with the Mayor and Mayoress of Pendle.

He will then have a tour of the state-of-the-art ACE Centre and meet with staff and guests, including tenants from the Enterprise Centre, before unveiling a plaque commemorating the day.

The ACE Centre, which is managed by Pendle Leisure Trust, is the biggest and best thing to happen in Nelson for decades.

It is not just a new building; it's a venue with a difference which has something for everyone.

Since it opened in June, more than 3,000 people now visit the Centre every week to enjoy what it has to offer, including a cinema, bistro and theatre.

It was made possible thanks to a pioneering partnership between Pendle Council and Barnfield Construction Ltd called PEARL - Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration Limited.

It was also funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency via Pendle Partnership, Pendle's Local Strategic Partnership, and a Local Enterprise Growth Initiative grant.

John David, Leader of Pendle Council and Chairman of Pendle Partnership, is delighted that His Royal Highness has chosen to visit Nelson's exciting new Centre.

He said: "This clearly highlights the importance and significance of the ongoing regeneration of Pendle, which we are very proud of.

"We're also very pleased that he will be joining us in our new Memorial Square to honour those who lost their lives fighting for our country."

Phil Storey, Chief Executive of Pendle Leisure Trust, said:

"We're thrilled that HRH The Duke of Kent is helping us to celebrate the opening of the ACE Centre by formally marking the occasion.

"During his visit His Royal Highness will be given the opportunity to see the Centre's fantastic community facilities."

Mark Taylforth, Director of Barnfield, added: "We're delighted that a Member of The Royal Family is formally opening this facility.

"We feel that it highlights the significance of this landmark building which is at the heart of Nelson's regeneration and also the immediate success of this important public private partnership."

The Duke of Kent will be visiting Pendle Vale Campus on the same day.

Councillor David added: "As Chair of Governors, I'm delighted that His Royal Highness is going to see what excellent facilities it has."