Plans to revitalise Nelson town centre moving forward

The Council acquired Pendle Rise shopping centre in June 2024 to revitalise the town through Nelson Town Deal government funding. 

Plans for the new retail complex include a major store, nine modern retail units with attractive frontages, car parking for over 150 cars and landscaping.

The internal strip out on the ageing 1960s Pendle Rise building will start in the coming months, followed by its demolition. Construction will start in 2026.

Penbrook, a partnership between Pendle Borough Council and Brookhouse - an expert in retail centre developments, has been launched to oversee the development.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Pendle Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Development and Regeneration, said: 

“This is a very exciting time for Nelson.

“We are now at the final stage of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process for Pendle Rise which will be completed by early November.

“Our vision is to create a more vibrant town centre with a strong retail offer including improved parking, a range of food and drink options and pleasant areas to eat outside to encourage social interaction.”

A number of businesses are still trading in the centre and the Council hopes to agree a package for them to move on as quickly as possible.

Phillip Spurr, the Council’s Director of Place, said: “Pendle Rise is key to our redevelopment of Nelson town centre.

“Its demolition and the building of an attractive new shopping centre has been flagged up by local people as a priority.

“The transformation of Nelson through the Revitalising Nelson project also includes bringing long-term vacant buildings back into use for commercial purposes.

“We’re working to support each Pendle Rise business to make sure everyone is treated fairly through the legal CPO process.”

The businesses which are still open in Pendle Rise are:

• Allsorts - confectionery including chocolates and sweets  
• Beans & Buns Cafe
• Branded Clearance DD Sports – ladieswear, menswear, childrenswear, sportswear, footwear
• Chaudrey’ s Collections – clothing store accessed from Leeds Road
• Mobile Doctor – mobile phones including repairs & accessories & i-Pad repairs
• Rehman’s Grill House & Restaurant – pizzas, burgers, kebabs, located on Holme Street
• Specsavers – audiologists & opticians

Armico News has moved to Scotland Road and Specsavers will be moving into the former Lloyds/TSB Bank.