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Pendle Council proposes to demolish former Colne Health Centre
Published: Monday, 27th June 2016
Councillor Tony Greaves and Councillor Mohammed Iqbal
The former Colne Health Centre could be demolished to make way for an exciting new development if Pendle Council's Executive gives the thumbs up.
The Council bought the Centre and corner surgery in Market Street last February to ensure the prime town centre building is developed in a way which meets the town’s needs.
And on Thursday (30th June) councillors are being asked to consider demolishing the former Health Centre and market the corner surgery for sale.
The Health Centre and surgery were closed in 2014 when the new multi-million pound Health Centre in Craddock Road opened.
A report into the Centre’s future states that the building contains 47 rooms of various sizes and shapes and it would be difficult and costly to convert it for different commercial uses.
It also highlights that as the corner surgery is part of a terraced row of shops it’s not possible for it to form part of the proposed demolition.
Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “The former Health Centre is in a fantastic location right in the heart of Colne, opposite the market.
“We bought it to ensure that we can control what it becomes and make sure that Colne continues to be one of the best market towns in the UK, attracting visitors from far afield.
“There have been a number of successful regeneration projects in Colne, such as Shackleton Hall and Hartley Square (Colne precinct) which is now fully occupied.
“And with vacancy rates dropping below the national average, there’s a strong indication that there’s potential demand for further retail or commercial development in the town.
“As an Executive we want to work with residents and businesses on the future of the site.”
Councillor Tony Greaves, Deputy Leader of Pendle Council who represents Waterside Ward of Colne, added: “This site is very important for the future of the town and we want to make sure it plays a leading part in the success of our town centre in the coming years.
“If the Executive agrees to the recommendations we'll be asking local residents and traders for views on the nature and design of any proposed developments.”
It’s proposed that if demolition is given the go ahead, PEARL, a joint venture between Pendle Council and Barnfield Investment Properties Ltd, will come up with options for consideration by councillors and local people.
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