Two heritage features from Pendle Rise will be saved and included in new retail complex
Published Monday, 16th March 2026
Two heritage features from Pendle Rise will be retained and included in the new retail complex in Nelson town centre.
A mosaic compass embedded in the floor of the shopping centre and a bust of Lord Nelson will be removed and safely stored before demolition begins in April.
The mosaic artwork and bust, both of which are a reference to Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, were installed when Pendle Rise shopping centre was built in the 1960s.
Nelson residents asked for them both to be saved and incorporated in the new development and Pendle Borough Council intends to do just that to celebrate the town’s history.
Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Pendle Borough Council and Nelson Town Deal board member, said: “In the 1960s it was customary for new Arndale developments to incorporate an item of local interest to make it individual.
“For Pendle Rise it was decided to feature the local connection with Lord Nelson – a bust of the man himself and a compass depicting his nautical career.
“Many residents have fond childhood memories of running around the compass, which is currently situated in the floor of the shopping centre.
“And given its nautical theme and association with Admiral Nelson, the compass is a very relevant item for us to keep and conserve.
“A bust of Lord Nelson is currently positioned high above where Boots was located just inside the entrance to the shopping centre.
“We appreciate they are both pieces of Nelson’s history and agree with residents that they should be preserved.”
A soft strip out of everything remaining in Pendle Rise, including the compass and bust, is due to take place at the end of March, before demolition commences mid-April.
Supported by Government funding through the Nelson Town Deal, this major project will see the creation of a modern retail complex including a range of food options, parking for over 150 cars and landscaped outdoor areas.
The scheme will be delivered by Penbrook, a partnership between Pendle Borough Council and Brookhouse, a leading expert in retail centre developments.
Stephen Barnes, Chair of Nelson Town Deal, added: “It’s imperative we save these artefacts depicting Nelson’s history and incorporate them into the town’s future.
“It’s great that residents feel the same and still want them on display for years to come.”