Pendle Council has acquired the 100,000 sq ft Pendle Rise shopping centre in Nelson after a two-year negotiation process. The acquisition allows the council to proceed with plans to demolish the current structure and develop a 55,000 sq ft mixed-use complex, which will include nine commercial units and a supermarket as the anchor tenant.

The redevelopment project, in partnership with Brookhouse through the PenBrook joint venture, involves a £12.5 million investment from Brookhouse. Additionally, £9 million from a £25 million Town Deal allocation will support the scheme.

Existing tenants such as Boots, Greggs, Specsavers, and Card Warehouse have expressed interest in relocating within the new complex. Other potential tenants include B&M, Food Warehouse, and The Range.

The acquisition process faced delays, partly due to legal issues with the previous owner, Mohammed Asjad Arnold. Arnold was prosecuted for failing to provide required information to the council. The council was advised by Axis Property Consultancy, while Roger Hannah initially represented Arnold before he chose to deal directly with Axis.

Rose Rouse, chief executive of Pendle Council, stated that the acquisition is crucial for Nelson’s redevelopment. “The purchase means we can radically improve the town with high-quality architecture and landscape design. Along with a much stronger retail offer for Pendle people, it will provide a great place for our community to meet.”

Phillip Spurr, Pendle Council’s director of place, highlighted the public’s support for the redevelopment as a priority from consultations during the Nelson Masterplan process. He reassured tenants, saying, “We know that this may be a worrying time for tenants, but we will work closely with everyone to minimise uncertainty and disruption.”

Beddows has been appointed to manage the shopping centre until demolition, and the council has committed to helping tenants relocate within the town.