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| Bought: Demolition planned by March 2026 |
The Council has earmarked the eyesore building for demolition as part of the £20m Nelson Town Centre redevelopment, but obstacles had delayed the purchase of the building from Mr Mohammed Asjad Arnold.
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| Future plans for Nelson centre |
Owner Mr Asjad failed to respond to the Compulsory Purchase Order and was successfully prosecuted. PBC has had to pay for legal representatives of Mr Asjad to negotiate with its own representatives, effectively meaning taxpayers have had to pay legal fees for both sides due to Mr Asjad's lack of co-operation.
The report states:
"In line with Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Government Guidance, Pendle Borough Council funded an independent RICS Surveyor from Roger Hannah & Associates, to represent Mr Asjad in negotiations."
Early in 2024 the two representative parties agreed a deal and yesterday the Council formally took control of the property through negotiation. The Compulsory Purchase Order will continue to ensure easy transition of the remaining property items required by the Council for the Nelson Town Centre redevelopment.
The Pendle Rise Shopping centre is due to start being demolished in November 2025, with demolition complete by March 2026.
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| Artist's impression of new Nelson |
Pendle Insider has written to the Council for details of the costs of the purchase and will put in a Freedom of Information request should the Council not willingly provide it.
Rose Rouse, Chief Executive of Pendle Borough Council, said:
“We’re delighted we now own Pendle Rise – it’s key to our redevelopment of Nelson Town Centre.
This 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.”
LINKS:
Council Meeting Report
https://www.pendle.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/29273/item_8_pendle_rise_shopping_centre_aquisition