‘A premier market for a premier town’ – that’s the message from Ribble Valley Borough Council.

The council’s policy and finance committee has set up a steering group led by council leader Ken Hind to take the proposed £9million redevelopment of Clitheroe Market forward.

The scheme will leave a legacy for future generations and boost the local economy by creating a modern market offering improved shopping facilities and a bustling night-time economy.

Councillor Hind said: “We listened to the public in a wide-ranging consultation that took views from a cross-section of people, including residents, business leaders and market traders.

“The consultation revealed support for the redevelopment of Clitheroe town centre with a modern market at its heart, but in response to public opinion the scheme will now not include a hotel.

“The aim of the redevelopment is to bring a new lease of life to the market and surrounding area, and the potential for attracting top new retailers and significant economic development to Clitheroe town centre.

“We are a positive can-do council working in the interests of the whole community and our policy and finance committee has decided to set up a steering group to take the redevelopment forward.

“The steering group will continue the excellent work of the working group, which led the consultation and visited several award-winning, successful markets

“Barnfield has been asked to redesign the scheme based on the working group’s findings and details will be unveiled in due course.”

Features of the new scheme may include a link to the market from Castle Street, a market hall, outdoor market, approximately 45,000 square feet of shops, restaurants, bars and leisure facilities, a public open space or community hub and a car park.

It is hoped the new scheme will be unveiled by Christmas 2017, with a planning application submitted by the New Year and construction starting by spring 2018.