Brierfield& Reedley

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2016 - 2026 The Vision

We want to build on the strengths of Brierfield & Reedley to create a thriving and successful place that people can be proud of. This is an enhanced area known for its own varied and distinctive identity, its environmental quality and heritage and which celebrates its cultural diversity. Our vision is of a place that people aspire to live and work in, invest in and visit.

March 2016 Contents

3 Foreword 4 Introduction The Purpose of the Regeneration Strategy 5 The Place 7 The Context

Location & Regional Context Existing Strategies, Plans and Masterplans Past and Current Investment 13 Developing the Vision Baseline Findings and Analysis The Place: Its Strengths Urban Framework Analysis Quality Design Community Consultation 23 Towards The Vision The Future Objectives The Priorities • Town Centre Enhancements • Development Sites • Place Shaping and Image • Physical Connectivity and Townscape • Housing and its Green Assets 35 Moving Forward Co-ordination Alignment and Support Investment and Funding Resources Delivery and Delivery Tools • Quick Wins • Potential Delivery Tools Appendix 1: Strategies, Plans and Masterplans Appendix 2: Schedule of Listed Buildings

A once in a lifetime opportunity to drive forward change Foreword

A once in a lifetime opportunity to drive forward change

This physical regeneration framework sets out our ambitions for Brierfield and Reedley focused around five key strategic priorities to boost the fortunes of the place over the next decade.

Brierfield and Reedley are uniquely placed to benefit from the investment being injected into Northlight (formerly Brierfield Mill). Northlight’s multi-million pound transformation will be ‘place-changing’ and gives an unprecedented opportunity to plan, guide and develop the town, so it becomes a thriving and successful place. This is the right time for Pendle Council to take the lead in making sure that Brierfield and Reedley moves forward. In doing so, we wish to preserve and celebrate what is good, build on its strengths, whilst using this once in a lifetime opportunity to drive forward change.

There are many opportunities, big and small, that can be exploited to move Brierfield and Reedley forward. Through this strategy we will identify them and set out our priorities and identify potential funding in the process to make it happen. Over the next 10 years, this vision will provide a focus for the Council and our partners and will help to secure the valuable public and private sector funding that is needed to make this transformation happen.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal Leader of Pendle Council

March 2016

- 3 - Introduction

Brierfield and Reedley is a place with a proud history, with many assets and strengths. It is well placed to seize the emerging opportunities, big and small, to maximise its potential for the future.

By far the biggest project taking The purpose of the place in Brierfield is the £32M Regeneration Strategy is: transformation of the Grade ll listed Brierfield Mill into Northlight. • To establish a detailed vision for Brierfield and Reedley and This exciting project is being delivered to convey to the community the by the Council’s joint venture private Council’s future priorities company, Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration (PEARL) Brierfield Ltd. • To provide an understanding of the opportunities associated This framework for Brierfield and with housing, the town centre and Reedley has been developed to ensure the environment within Brierfield that the surrounding area and local community derive the maximum benefit and & Reedley and how these can from this transformational project. be supported to ensure the area’s future economic growth Its focus is on creating a vibrant and successful place, with desirable • To outline the past, existing and neighbourhoods and an attractive future investment proposals in sustainable environment, so that the Brierfield and Reedley town complements the Northlight project and supports it as ‘a go to destination’ in • To identify future priorities the North West. • To align funding and investment This document sets out a visionary, but opportunities deliverable ‘place shaping’ framework to help guide future capital investment. • To embed high quality ‘place It sets out a new agenda to support making’ in the process. ‘Northlight’ and to deliver a place that residents can be proud of and where people aspire to live, work, invest and visit. This bold vision serves to inspire change and drive future physical regeneration.

- 4 - The Place

Reedley is also well known for its Magistrates’ Court (housed in the Court House on Colne Road), providing a judicial function within Pendle.

- 5 - The area of focus is the Brierfield and Reedley sits within an town of Brierfield and the exceptional natural environment, predominently residential between the attractive Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and area of Reedley. the desolate landscapes of the South Pennine Moors made famous by the Brierfield is a small but distinctive mill Bronte sisters. It also has the Leeds town, which has had a rich and varied and Liverpool Canal running through it, history. It originated from the cotton providing a nature corridor (a Biological industry at the end of the 19th century. Heritage Site), as well as a route for The industrial revolution has left its walking, cycling, boating and leisure legacy in the form of the iconic Grade activities. Pendle Water also runs ll listed Brierfield Mill and a string of through the valley bottom. other canal-side cotton mills, uniform rows of Victorian terraced mill workers The place is culturally diverse and this houses, the Leeds and Liverpool canal is one of its key assets. Today, Brierfield and rail link, together with various civic and Reedley has over 3,800 residents of and landmark buildings, including the BME heritage representing 38% of the imposing listed Town Hall. The outer total population, well above the regional areas of Brierfield are more suburban in (10%) and national average (14%). Initially form with low density housing. The heart attracted by job opportunities in the of the town is formed by the cross roads cotton textile industries, many workers of Halifax Road and Colne Road. It is a from the Indian sub continent came place, which is proud of its heritage. to work in Pennine Lancashire in the 1960’s-1970’s. The biggest employment Reedley forms a leafy residential attraction in Brierfield itself was the suburb on the south western edge of former textile mills (Brierfield Mill and Brierfield and has developed rapidly Hollin Bank Mill). Most workers were since the 1920s. This generally affluent from the Pakistani community. They area contains a mix of good quality eventually settled, and were joined by semi-detached and detached family their families. housing. This low density housing, with its greener streetscape and environment provides a stark contrast to the high density terraced housing found in the inner urban area of Brierfield. Reedley is characterised by large detached individually designed houses along Colne Road, mostly 19th century, mainly built by the wealthy industrialists and professionals of the area for example, Reedley Hall and The Oaks. Reedley is also well known for its Magistrates’ Court (housed in the Court House on Colne Road), providing a judicial function within Pendle.

- 6 - Context: Location and Regional Context

Brierfield and Reedley are THE located between the towns LAKE DISTRICT of Nelson and Burnley. THE YORKSHIRE DALES With a population of over 10,000, it forms NORTH part of one of the main urban areas of M6 YORKSHIRE MOORS Pennine Lancashire and is strategically located between the city regions of YORK Greater Manchester, Preston and Leeds. COLNE It is located between the boroughs of A1 M55 M65 HULL Ribble Valley and Calderdale, with their BLACKPOOL BRIERFIELD attractive market towns such as Clitheroe & REEDLEY PRESTON LEEDS and Hebden Bridge, some 13 miles away. M61 M66 M62 One of the greatest assets of Brierfield MANCHESTER LIVERPOOL M1 and Reedley is its excellent transport M60 M60 links. It is located in the M65 Corridor. SHEFFIELD Junction 12 of M65 (which is just 2 M56 minutes drive from the centre of THE CHESTER Brierfield) provides direct access to the PEAK DISTRICT national motorway network. Manchester is within 45 minutes drive; Preston within M6 30 minutes drive time and Blackpool within 55 minutes.

The East Lancashire railway line also runs through Brierfield, linking the area with Blackburn and Preston in the west and Colne in the east. Brierfield Railway Station sits adjacent to the town centre and Brierfield Mill, providing hourly connections to the national railway network. The reinstatement of the Todmorden Curve in 2015 (providing direct access from Burnley to Manchester) has also improved the opportunities to commute into or visit Manchester. There are also aspirations* for a ‘passing loop’ between Brierfield and Burnley to allow an increased frequency of service. The new rail franchise (Arriva) is proposing to introduce new rolling stock for this line.

The town is also well connected to Manchester via the X43 bus service as well as with other towns in Pennine Lancashire using the frequent local bus services provided by Transdev. - 7 - * East Lancs Rail Connectivity Study Context: Existing Local Strategies, Plans and Masterplans

This 10-year vision builds on the various strategies and plans that are in place at regional, sub regional, borough and neighbourhood level. The strategies and plans are listed in the attached Appendix 1 and have helped to inform this strategic vision for Brierfield and Reedley. One of the greatest assets of Brierfield and Reedley is its excellent transport links. It is located in the M65 Corridor and junction 12 provides direct access to the national motorway network.

- 8 - Context: Past and Current Investment

In recent years Brierfield and Reedley has benefited or is continuing to benefit from major public and private investment and has experienced a number of important changes. Past Investment The Brierfield Canal Corridor and the enhancement of existing open spaces Railway Street Neighbourhood and the creation of a new urban • Significant investment (circa £24m) continue to be the Council’s Housing square on Railway Street. over an 8 year period in housing Regeneration Priority Areas as set out market restructuring and in Pendle’s Core Strategy. • The improvement of long standing improvements in Brierfield via the vacant houses to bring them back into former government funded Housing • Completion of two new housing & use in the Railway Street Market Renewal (HMR) programme, mill conversion developments at neighbourhood, via loans administered which came to an end in March 2011. Quaker Heights (formerly the site of by the Council, funded through the Lob Lane Mill) and Holden Road in HCA Empty Homes programme for The main activity in Brierfield was 2015, by the Council’s pioneering joint Pendle. group repair schemes to housing venture company PEARL2. along the Colne Road gateway and • Completion in 2010 of the £20m major housing clearance and site • Public realm investment of £280k Marsden Heights Community College assembly/facilitation of new housing in the Railway Street neighbourhood – a school for 11- 16 year olds under development in the Brierfield Canal through the Homes and Communities the Building Schools for the Future Corridor area. There is still a need Agency (HCA) Empty Homes Fund in (BSF) programme. It provides ‘state of to continue the work to renew parts of 2015, which included streetscape the art’ facilities for over 1000 pupils. the housing infrastructure in Brierfield. works on Sackville Street,

Significent public and private investment in the Brierfield Canal Corridor area has taken place.

- 9 - Successful completion of the mill conversion development at Quaker Heights.

- 10 - Current and Ongoing employment/business growth, as creative programme. Northlight Investment part of the Burnley–Pendle Growth features as a ‘creative hub’ within the Corridor programme of work for the programme and In Situ have used the • Ongoing development of the former M65 for three years (2015-18) funded venue for creative events. Lucas Sports field site in Reedley by Lancashire County Council • The establishment of a number of for executive style housing by a (LCC) and the Lancashire Economic active community based organisations, local developer/contractor (Barnfield Partnership ( LEP) - Local Growth such as the creative arts based In Construction) Fund. As part of this programme there are plans to upgrade the traffic Situ, Bodies in Motion and Brierfield • The planned development of 46 new signals at the Railway Street/ Colne Action in the Community (BAC), who homes including a mix of bungalows, Road junction and carry out public have successfully secured lottery/arts family homes and canal side houses realm and pedestrian connection funding over the last five years to by PEARL2 on the cleared site off improvements to Northlight on Bridge support their work and this is ongoing. Clitheroe Road. Street and Railway Street. • Brierfield Town Council and Reedley • A programme of shop front • The Super Slow Way, a £2m Arts Hallows Parish Council have acquired improvement grants (max £3k/ shop) Council funded project which focuses new responsibilities which includes targeted at Brierfield Town Centre on the engagement and participation custodianship of community buildings which has been on-going for over a of local people in the arts through the such as Brierfield Town Hall and the decade. delivery of a programme of creative Community Centre. They now have the arts events in the period 2015-18. power to raise funds through a Council • Investment (circa £1.4m) in junction 12 The Leeds and Liverpool Canal which Tax precept and if funding is levied of the M65 and associated local will celebrates its bicentennial in 2016 this could help with improvements. highway works to support is a linking element within this

- 11 - • The Council’s flagship project, the of funding such as the Business planned transformation of the historic Premises Renovation Allowance Northlight (Brierfield Mill) through a (BPRA) and other private investment phased programme of work which will funds are being explored. begin in 2016. An investment of £32m is planned over the next three years to bring it back to life and create an exciting new mixed-use destination in the North West. PEARL is having discussions with a leading international brand hotel chain, Burnley Football Club in the Community to provide a leisure facility, a micro brewery company, a cyber security and adult learning centre. Other uses planned are residential apartments, together with restaurants, a visitor centre/arts venue and canal marina. Major funds are already in place via the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Pendle Council (PBC) and Lancashire County Council (LCC). Other sources

- 12 - Developing the Vision: Baseline Findings and Analysis

Brierfield Ward Population: • Economic Activity: The economic Average residential property prices are activity rate of the Brierfield ward in low at just over £100,000 in Brierfield 2011 was 41% and in the Reedley ward (2016 prices) reflecting the predominantly 4862 it was 44.2%. This is some 10% lower terraced housing stock which has Reedley Ward Population: than the English national average average prices at £44,000. House prices (51%) and the wider Pendle Borough are higher in Reedley, with average 5291 (47.8%). house prices of £218,000. (Zoopla prices Feb 2015 to Feb 2016). • The top occupations in Reedley are listed as professional (18.65%) and Vacancy rates within the housing stock Brierfield & Reedley Key Statistics managerial /senior officials (11.1%); in Brierfield and Reedley are 4.2%, (2011 Census) whilst in Brierfield, the population in compared to the Pendle rate of 3.3% professional occupations is 8.6% and in (Council tax data 2015). Overall the population of Brierfield and managerial /senior official occupations Reedley has fallen by 4.8 % in the ten is 12.4% Brierfield Town Centre vacancies: years between 2001 and 2011, equating Commercial vacancy rates in the town to a loss of 483 residents, whereas at • Housing: 51% of all households in centre are at 10.3% (2015 figures), which borough wide level, the population has Brierfield are living in terraced houses. represents a reduction from the previous remained fairly static over the same This is below the Pendle average but is 6 years vacancy levels. The current period. However, based on a mid year more than double the national average. vacancy rates compare favorably with the population estimate for 2013*, the In Reedley 66% of households live in national average at 14.7%. population of Brierfield and Reedley is detached/semi-detached houses. estimated to have increased to 10,319, a Ranking Index of Deprivation (ONS 2015) population increase of 8.95% since 2001. • A high percentage of people are in Parts of Brierfield are within the 20% owner occupation. 71.5% of households most deprived areas in England. • Brierfield has a significantly higher in Brierfield and 83.7% in Reedley proportion of young residents (0-15 own their own home, compared year age group) compared to the W to 63.3% of people nationally. Social AR Pendle average of 20.5% and the D M rented levels are low, with 7.6% of all AP O national average of 18.9%. F P households socially renting in E N D Brierfield and 3.3% of households in L • Ethnicity: Nearly 41% of the Brierfield E Barnoldswick B social rented accommodation in O ward and 35.6% of the Reedley ward is R O Reedley, which is below the Pendle and U of Pakistani ethnicity, which is over G national averages. H 21% higher than the Pendle average.

Barrowford Colne

Nelson

BRIERFIELD

REEDLEY * Mid Year population Estimates 2013: Office for National Statistics - 13 - - 14 - Developing the Vision: The Place - Its strengths

Brierfield and Reedley has a neighbourhoods including views of independent and niche shops in strong sense of identity, a diverse iconic Pendle Hill as well as providing Briefield town centre, and the Pendle mixed community, a distinctive green space and nature ‘on the Village Mill shopping concept at the character to its built environment doorstep’. out-of-centre retail site adjacent and is in a well-connected location, to junction 12. • Excellent access links to local and surrounded by stunning open regional road networks (via M65 • Employment opportunities afforded countryside. junction 12) and a railway station at its by Lomeshaye Industrial Estate and heart. its future growth plans (a proposed Its Strengths extension will be the Borough’s • The picturesque Leeds and Liverpool strategic employment site), as well as • Brierfield is characterised by grids of Canal provides an important walking potential job and training opportunities terraced housing built from sandstone, /cycling /leisure resource, but offers arising from the regeneration of with a string of former cotton mills enormous potential for canal-side Northlight. (including the iconic Brierfield Mill) living and as a visitor attraction. which are remnants of its industrial • State of the art modern educational past, along its canal edge. This gives • The area is well served with private facilities at secondary school level, the place a particular sense of place leisure facilities including Nelson Golf with completion of the Marsden and identity. Club, Reedley Marina, Belvedere Heights Community School in 2010. Sports Club, as well as formal green • Many of the older buildings, such open spaces, parks and allotments. • Several strong local communities and as the churches, public houses, community organisations, with a great town hall, and Magistrates’ Court are • New and emerging housing sense of pride in their area, coupled civic or community heritage assets developments at the Hallows in with an appetite for positive change. or distinctive landmark buildings Reedley and in the Brierfeld Canal These are located along the town’s Corridor area (at Quaker Heights, • A strong community hub in Brierfield main routes and junctions. These Holden Road and Clitheroe Road and town centre, containing the Town Hall, buildings and structures; some of in the future at Northlight), providing the Library, Community Centre, Youth which are listed (10 in total), add to the aspirational modern homes to meet centre, together with a family centre rich tapestry of the urban fabric and today’s lifestyles. and health centre. tell the story of its industrial growth. • A varied and quality retail offer • A growing population that will • Beautiful open countryside serving the local community, as well stimulate demand for housing and help surrounding Brierfield and Reedley, as customers and visitors from a wider support a buoyant housing market. provides a green outlook from many catchment area. This includes the local - 15 - - 16 - Developing the Vision:

An urban framework analysis of Brierfield and Reedley identified the main challenges and more importantly how these can be transformed into opportunities for the future.

- 17 - Urban Framework Analysis

Challenge Opportunity

Entrance Gateways/ arrival points –Brierfield and Reedley have their The creation of ‘entrance gateway’ features would help to create a own distinctive character. However, there is a lack of a sense of arrival. sense of arrival and improve first impressions of the place. This could The arrival point at Junction 12 roundabout is also ill defined and giving be achieved through high quality public realm improvements, including a poor impression. signage/ sculptural elements to improve the entrance to the place and Northlight. The Magistrates’ Court is a distinct building that could be sensitively illuminated to contribute to a ‘sense of arrival’.

Burnley Road Gateway has some attractive elements with some By bringing sites back into use, active commercial / residential landmark buildings. Some sites are poor quality, with in-active and frontages could be created. The landmark buildings are unique neglected frontages. and contribute to the distinctiveness of the place. These should be celebrated, with possible face-lifting improvements, including illuminating their facades. High quality co-ordinated and unified streetscape / public realm improvements including street trees could significantly enhance the gateway.

Colne Road Gateway has had significant facelift improvements to its Improvements / facelifts to commercial sites could create more terraced housing blocks. However, there are a number of commercial attractive and active frontages. Reducing street clutter and carrying sites and forecourt sites that contributing negatively to the appearance out high quality co-ordinated streetscape / public realm improvements, of the town including street trees could significantly enhance the gateway.

Railway Street / Clitheroe Road Gateway has had some high quality Reducing street clutter and carrying out high quality co-ordinated public realm improvements to its sites, but there still remain streetscape / public realm improvements, including highway junction grotspots/ poor commercial site frontages and poor streetscapes that / pedestrian footpath improvements sympathetic to the heritage. are giving a negative impression of the town. This is a key connection Including street trees and sympathetic illumination / lighting and route between the town centre and Northlight, as well as a key entry improving the frontages of commercial sites could significantly enhance point into the town from the Fence-Padiham by-pass. the gateway. The distinctive estate railings of the S’ bends along this eastern approach into the town could be improved.

Brierfield Town Centre is an active local centre with a civic / The town centre could have potential to be a Conservation Area and community hub. It contains a number of listed and landmark this could then unlock opportunities to bid for heritage / townscape buildings and traditional shopping parades that add to the lottery funding. There are opportunities to improve listed and character. These are attractive, but run down and the public realm landmark buildings and to introduce a high quality public realm is tired. sympathetic to the heritage and character of the town centre to strengthen the sense of place. There is also scope for strengthening the civic and community hub.

Bridge Street connection and footbridge. This is a key connection Carry out high quality unified streetscape / public realm route for pedestrians between the town centre and Northlight improvements sympathetic to the heritage, including pedestrian footpath improvements, street trees and illumination / lighting, together with transformational improvements to the railway footbridge.

Vacant Brownfield sites. There are a number of gap sites and larger A number of vacant sites are detracting from the appearance of the vacant brownfield sites, mainly in Brierfield. area, but offer opportunities for redevelopment, subject to viability. A number of these are in private or in LCC ownership, but could offer development potential for housing, thereby diversifying the housing offer. Significant progress has already being made in the Canal Corridor Area by the Council and its joint venture company to bring brownfield sites back into use for housing.

Railway Station. The existing train arrival point to the town is Unified high quality public realm and street furniture improvements uninspiring and could make a bigger contribution to the aesthetic with quality lighting sympathetic to the conservation area, could appearance of the place and to Northlight, as well contribute to the improve the first impressions of the place and improve its image. townscape.

There is one Conservation Area and seven listed buildings / The listed Methodist Church has undergone a refurbishment structures in Brierfield, which give recognition to the historic with a Heritage Lottery grant and Northlight which sits within the townscape and the industrial heritage of Brierfield. Within the ward Conservation Area is undergoing a heritage-based transformation. of Reedley, there are two listed farmhouses and a listed 1950’s Promotion of these heritage assets will raise the profile of the town house (‘Domus’). and the improvement of other landmark / listed buildings in the town centre and along the key routes could enhance the area.

Pedestrian links to the area’s green assets. The area contains a Promotion and publicity of the leafy lanes and footpath links to number of green assets, notably its surrounding countryside, green the countryside/ open space, and the canal towpath together with open space and canal. Some of the residential neighbourhoods interpretation of points of interest, would improve the town as a have a lack of green open space. Accessibility to these green assets place of choice to live and improve the ‘liveability’ of the place. It will is poor and undefined and pedestrian links are under-utilised. also support Northlight as a destination to visit.

The Canal and its towpath form the western edge of Brierfield and The improvement of ‘ entry points’ to the canal towpath and the Reedley, serving as a green tranquil oasis and leisure resource. It improvement of the towpath environment / canal bridges would contains a number of listed bridges and forms a key element of the improve an important community and visitor asset, contributing industrial heritage of Brierfield. It is poor in parts and neglected to the delivery of the Northlight project. It would also improve the in appearance. It has inherent potential for leisure activities, boat image of the area. This could be achieved through high quality public moorings, walking and cycling for both the local community and realm improvements, including signage/ sculptural elements and visitors. illumination sympathetic to the heritage, as well as interpretation. The canal celebrates its bicentennial in 2016 and the Super Slow Way creative arts programme should be fully capitalised upon.

- 18 - Developing the Vision:

- 19 - Quality Design

It is important to embed quality design in regeneration and development activity to contribute to ‘place making’ and to improve the image of a place. This should not only focus on building works, but also the local streetscape, the street furniture, roads and connections.

The Northlight Project is engendering a high quality public realm strategy within the complex, which will have verve and style. It is important to ensure that the public realm improvements and street ‘Public realm furniture along the key routes and in the comprises the town centre is therefore complementary to the Northlight approach and streets, pavements, sympathetic to the historic character of the area. New quality materials for squares, parks, streetscape works can be used, but green spaces and re-use of old stone setts and Yorkstone paving is encouraged. other outdoor places. It is the places we The environmental degradation of an area and the ’poor look’ of a neighbourhood pass through on can also undermine an area and can be our daily journeys caused for example by satellite dishes, oversized dormers, removal of chimney and the spaces we stacks and garden railings /hedges and use for outdoor lack of greenery. Within the high street and on gateway routes into the town it activities and social can be illuminated shop signs, street interaction’. clutter, a mis-match of painted street furniture, poorly maintained pavements, inappropriate industrial fencing/guard Creating inspirational spaces a rails and too many commercial signs and guide for quality public realm in the oversized traffic signs. Northwest (Places Matter)

Too many signs create street clutter. Less is more.

- 20 - At the heart of developing this 10-year vision and strategy has been the drive and determination to find out what the key issues and priorities are at a grassroots level.

- 21 - Developing the Vision: Community Consultation

The process began with a walkabout What the community said Approaches into Brierfield and Reedley with the Brierfield and Reedley need improving; regular grass cutting councillors in 2015, followed by further needed discussions with councillors to agree the Need to tackle empty homes as they parameters and scope for this strategy. bring the area down Views out and the rural setting are an A specific consultation exercise around asset Brown field sites should be developed the development of this vision, took for quality housing place in January 2016 with local people, There are a variety of shops and some Assets such as Brierfield Library are organisations and groups operating in the quality shops (jewellers) and buildings, very important area. Over 4300 A3 glossy leaflets were such as the Town Hall and churches are important. delivered to households/ businesses, Loss of some services, such as post setting out the proposed vision and the The community facilities, such as office 5 key priorities that the strategy would Brierfield Library, are good focus on. Leaflets were also made Problems associated with rented and vacant houses; many houses are in available in various community venues The area has good neighbours disrepair and in a dilapidated state. (the Library, Community Centre and the We like the recent public realm Empty houses give a poor impression of BAC café). This was accompanied by improvement work along Sackville the area. publicity in the local press and on the Street Council’s web site, and through social Some roads need resurfacing and media. The community’s views were There is a need to activate the space pavements in need of improvement. sought on: ‘what they like about the between Northlight and the town centre. More investment needed in cycling and walking routes place’ and ‘what they dislike about the The town centre is intimidating after place’, as well as what they thought about dark; it needs better lighting and patrols Litter is a problem, mainly from take- the proposed five priorities. to keep streets safe aways

Although the number of people who Some of shops are an eyesore; there are Reputation of Brierfield needs improving responded was relatively low, the too many fast food outlets. More quality comments demonstrated positive support shops, such as green grocers are needed The gateway into Brierfield from Cuckkstool Lane via ‘the S bends’ for the development of a strategy. The Some shops have no kerb-side appeal could be improved by refurbishing the comments about ‘the place’ and the distinctive estate railings proposed priorities were very helpful and Shop/commercial signage is not tasteful; have assisted in the preparation of this Need businesses that look attractive Lack of facilities in the evening for Strategy. young people; young people feel isolated Need to tackle vacant buildings and half because of lack of access to services. abandoned neglected industrial sites Need to persuade young to stay, as opposed to moving away. Wildlife corridor and access to nature is needed Need enforcement and improvement notices to tackle redundant buildings Art installations are needed for example; and poor maintained properties. Vacant a panoptican type feature at Reedley Trig houses ae mis-used. Landlord forums to attract visitors could be set up.

Need to create a strong identity Glen Way road could be improved – it is graphically. too narrow.

Some of the pub buildings should be Car parking on pavements is a problem upgraded / reused for other uses, such as The Feathers.

Lack of a pleasant pub - restaurant and public toilets

- 22 - Towards the Vision Future Objectives

We are focusing activity across five • Creating renewed thoroughfares opportunities in existing vacant priority themes, although many of and linkages between the town centre buildings and on brownfield sites as the actions cross cut over more than and Northlight (namely along Bridge these become available one theme reflecting our integrated Street, including the footbridge approach to investment and project and Railway Street), through • Improving responses to community delivery. The Priority Themes are: streetscape/environmental safety and community protection and improvements, such as sympathetic supporting a more socially cohesive, 1. Town Centre Enhancement lighting, bridge illumination, paving, tolerant community, will enhance street furniture and signage the quality of the place and improve 2. Development Sites the perception of the area • Exploiting Brierfield & Reedley’s 3. Place shaping and image canal side location and capitalising • Tapping into the potential future 4. Physical connectivity and on the opportunities arising from growth of the visitor/tourist economy townscape the £2m Super Slow Way canal in Lancashire which is expected to focused creative-arts programme create an extra 6.3m jobs by 2020 by 5. Housing and its green assets and other future canal-landscape developing a package of visitor based projects ‘day’ and ‘stay’ attractions in Brierfield, focused around Northlight, A broad physical framework to guide • Maximising the potential of its green the canal, industrial heritage, leisure, activity and investment has been assets, existing parks, outdoor the arts, and village mill retailing formulated around these five priority sports/leisure facilities and ‘doorstep’ themes. countryside to improve the town as a • Addressing the gateways and ‘entry’ place to live and visit points to the town to establish The key aspects are as follows: a sense of arrival and to improve • Delivering new high quality housing Brierfield’s image by a combination • Capitalising on Northlight as an development that diversifies the of appropriate high quality economic/leisure/residential housing offer and which increases development, environmental asset and as a ‘driver’ for the available spending power of the treatment, illumination of strategic regenerating Brierfield and Reedley residential community, thereby buildings, lighting and signage. This helping to underpin the viability of will also include a focused • Improvement of Brierfield Town local businesses, shops and services intervention on ‘grotspots’ and poor Centre and the heritage /landmark commercial site frontages buildings along Burnley Road/Colne • Continued focused interventions on Road to enhance its image, vitality the empty terraced properties and viability through the work of the Council’s Empty Home Programme to bring • Improving the quality of the them back into use, providing a choice Tapping into the townscape and public realm of of housing in tenure and price terms the town centre, through sympathetic for local residents potential future lighting, quality materials such as growth of the visitor/ stone pavings/setts, street furniture, • Exploring the development rejuvenation of shop canopies, opportunities of vacant brownfield tourist economy in signage and streetscape works sites for housing so that they Lancashire which is contribute to shaping the place and the town’s sustainable future expected to create an extra 6.3m jobs by • Supporting existing businesses, encouraging new businesses and 2020.

exploiting development

- 23 - The Priorities THIS SECTION FOCUSES ON THE FIVE PRIORITIES

Town Centre Enhancement Development Sites Place shaping and image Physical connectivity and townscape Housing and its green assets

- 24 - PRIORITY 1. BRIERFIELD TOWN CENTRE ENHANCEMENT

Brierfield Town Centre serves as a local Sensitive illumination and shopping centre, providing convenience improvement of its heritage and niche retailing, as well as a range and landmark buildings would of community services. It contains a significantly enhance the quality of number of prominently positioned civic/ the place. community buildings (the Grade II listed Town Hall, Brierfield Library, Community Other uses, such as cafés and leisure/ Centre and Youth Centre) fronting onto cultural activities could also contribute a central civic space with its listed to improving its vitality, community cenotaph. These facilities, together with safety and assist with creating a night the health and family centres, off Tunstill time economy. Creating a ‘Night Time Square create a strong ‘community hub’. Buzz’ within the town centre would also Opportunities / Benefits complement Northlight. The shops are strung along the main • A victorian streetscape and collection road forming a Victorian streetscape and To support attractive shop window of listed and landmark buildings with a number of the blocks have benefitted in displays and to improve the potential for improvement the past from canopies, which contribute attractiveness of the offer, training in to a ‘sense of place’. There have been visual merchandising for existing retail • An uplift to the public realm would some inappropriate and insensitive businesses could also be offered. contribute to creating a positive alterations and signage to its commercial quality image and a strong ‘sense of buildings/shops in the past and there are place’ AIMS: To improve the quality some vacant shops. and image of the town centre • Improvements would strengthen it as The town centre lies at the heart of the environment, making it more a local centre and as a ‘community Brierfield and Reedley communities. attractive as a place to shop, ‘hub’ Given its location on the main through invest and visit. To attract public/ road and at a main cross road junction, it private sector investment and • Supporting local businesses and also serves as the ‘shop window’ for the new uses for vacant buildings to service providers town. It is where it expresses its culture support its role as a local centre and identity. • Supporting the Northlight project and to enhance its heritage and complementing the ‘Physical It is considered that investment in assets and the streetscape. Connectivity’ priority building repairs / refurbishment, coupled with high quality public realm • Exploration of Conservation Area improvements including shop canopy designation, which could also unlock refurbishments, street trees, improved potential funding opportunities, such street furniture and sensitive lighting as Townscape Heritage Initiative funds would help strengthen it as a local • Potential for other Heritage Grants centre, supporting Brierfield and Reedley for improving listed commercial/civic/ as a place of choice to live, visit and work. community buildings

• Potential for the listed Town Hall (now owned by the Town Council) to be sensitively enhanced and to have a community – cultural – commercial role, to ensure its future sustainability.

- 25 - - 26 - PRIORITY 2. DEVELOPMENT SITES

There are a small number of existing AIMS: To explore opportunities to vacant brownfield sites and redundant get vacant brownfield sites and buildings that range in size and type. Some vacant sites extend to over 1.5 redundant buildings re-developed hectares, such as the former Mansfield for future use. High School site and others are smaller sites. See plan. Their re-development for appropriate uses would support the Government’s and Council’s agenda of bringing brownfield land back into productive use as a priority and support the economic and sustainable growth of Opportunities / Benefits Brierfield and Reedley. • Potential for partnership working Significant progress has already taken to bring difficult brownfield sites back place with redeveloping brownfield into use, through PEARL2 and sites in the Brierfield Canal Corridor through Registered providers, such as area. Over the last few years, both the the Together Housing Group former Lob Lane Mill site (Quakers Heights) and the Holden Road site have • Supports growing demand for new been developed for new homes. The housing redevelopment of the Clitheroe Road clearance site for 46 new homes and • Development of new housing conversion of the redundant Brierfield increases choice and tenure and Mill (Northlight) are planned to start on supports the economic growth of site in 2016. Redevelopment of existing Brierfield and Reedley and the vacant brownfield sites (such as the land Borough off Richard Street, the former Presbytery • Supports the Council ‘s agenda for site on Richard Street and the Burnley prioritising redevelopment of Road gap site) however does present brownfield sites challenges; most notably the low value house prices and costs of dealing with site abnormals can present viability issues. Funding to assist with viability issues and bridging the gap associated with site remediation/infrastructure costs, could be explored.

- 27 - Brierfield and Reedley potential development sites

J12 COLNE RD 3 Pendle Water

TAYLOR ST M65

8

GLEN WAY 1 2 5 CLITHEROE RD Leeds and Liverpool Canal HALIFAX RD BRIERFIELD M65

HOLDEN RD Development sites underway/ 4 9 with planning permission RICHARD ST

1 Clitheroe Road 10 2 Brierfield Mill (Northlight)

BURNLEY RD 3 Land off Colne Road 4 Land at Burnley Road (Gap site) REEDLEY RD 5 Former LCC Depot, Halifax Road REEDLEY 6 The Hallows, former Lucas Sports Ground 7 7 Four Oaks 6 Other vacant, brownfield sites with potential for development REEDLEY DRIVE

8 Former Mansfield High School

9 Former Presbytery School, Richard Street

10 Richard Street Nurseries

- 28 - PRIORITY 3. PLACE SHAPING AND IMAGE

Brierfield’s rich heritage is one of its about a town or site’s historical, unique features and defines its urban geographical and social identity. As part character and Northlight is an important of an integrated element of an overall ingredient that will help shape the design concept, it could help to rebrand place in the future. Our ambition is for the place. Northlight to have regional recognition. Creatively using existing industrial It is important to protect and enhance heritage structures, such as the existing the existing historic environment and gasometer by for example illuminating heritage assets through delivering high it or creating a new iconic sculpture can Opportunities / Benefits quality architecture, refurbishments put the place on the map and support it and public spaces. We will work with as a visitor destination. • Delivery of high quality gateway owners of empty buildings and properties treatments, such as street trees, to encourage them to be refurbished, AIMS: To raise the profile and illumination of landmark buildings where possible. New development will be image of the place to a more /quality iconic structures to create a required to be sensitively planned to an positive one and create a sense of arrival and reinforce the appropriate scale, mass and appearance distinctive identity. To encourage sense of place which promotes high quality design, and visitors, boost the visitor economy responds to its context. • Building on the strong sense of local and support the promotion of community and pride; but engendering The creation of ‘entrance gateway’ Northlight as an important new a strong sense of stewardship about features will help to create a sense of destination and as a key part of the place to ensure the quality of arrival and improve first impressions of the area’s future. the built environment is improved and the place. This can be achieved through maintained high quality public realm improvements, including signage/ sculptural elements, • Capitalising on creative-arts projects at both the entrance to the place and to raise the profile of the place and Northlight. Lighting is an important Northlight to a positive one and element of the public realm and can engender community pride and play an important role in place-making, participation initial targeting could be illuminating • Explore/support a Pennine landmark buildings and key routes. Lancashire wide future funding For example, the Magistrates’ Court bid for a canal focused is a distinctive building that could be industrial heritage landscape project, sensitively illuminated to contribute which will bring improvements to the to a ‘sense of arrival’ at the southern canal environment and support it as a gateway. heritage/ leisure/ visitor attraction asset The quality and design of the public realm plays a vital role in defining the • Place branding and positive image of the town and neighbourhood marketing, including the launch of and can give it a unique ‘brand’. a web site for Northlight, which also highlights other attractions to form It affects the perception of an area and a package which defines it as a ‘niche influences whether people desire to live, destination’ to visit work and visit the place.

• Setting new high quality standards for Quality public art installations could also design and the environment, including have a role to play in creating a ‘sense of the public realm sites. place’, providing a vehicle for statements - 29 - - 30 - PRIORITY 4. PHYSICAL CONNECTIVITY & TOWNSCAPE

Within the town, transport connectivity AIMS: To improve links between is fairly good. The grid iron pattern of the town centre and Northlight. streets and the through route of Colne Road-Burnley Road has created a To improve the appearance of permeable and legible place. However, the approaches to Brierfield & at neighbourhood level some of the Reedley and enhance the public connections and routes are aesthetically realm/streetscape, including poor, undermining ease of movement and quality improvements which community safety. are sympathetic to the heritage context. With the commencement of the Northlight project, there is also a priority Opportunities / Benefits need to improve ‘walking connections’ between the mill complex and the town • Priorities are Bridge Street, the centre with its shops/services and to railway footbridge & Railway Street/ enhance key junctions for the benefit of Colne Road junction improvements pedestrians. This is identified as ‘an early win’ project. Improving the streetscape • Dealing with grot spots and poor quality to a high standard sympathetic to commercial site frontages on to key its heritage context would create friendly, routes, such as the former Stone Yard active, greener and safe streets. Creating site an attractive unified public realm and removing street clutter will be part of the • Quality improvements to the gateways enhancements. and approaches will improve the image of the place to a more positive In spite of the improvement work that one has been achieved through the HMRI and Empty Homes funded public realm • Quality of place improved, supporting work in the last decade, the number Northlight and the place as a visitor of prominent gap sites, unsightly and destination vacant buildings still serve to give off the impression that parts of Brierfield are run down and marginal. Tackling the eyesores and poor commercial/ forecourt frontages along the key routes through a facelift will create an attractive environment and a more positive image for residents, visitors and prospective investors.

- 31 - - 32 - PRIORITY 5. HOUSING & GREEN ASSETS

The Brierfield ward has a large AIMS: To continue to bring back number of empty homes (122*) that are into use the long term empty concentrated in the inner urban areas of the town and Reedley has 36 empty homes and to improve the homes. The Council is carrying out a quality and range of the housing range of interventions (such as loans) to on offer. To improve Brierfield bring the long term vacant houses back and Reedley as a place to into use through the Council’s Empty live by making the most of its Homes work. Bringing these homes back green assets, canal and local into use will contribute to meeting the countryside. housing needs of the borough, but also support the future sustainability of the Opportunities / Benefits neighbourhoods. • Sustain the momentum of change that There is also a need to provide new the Housing Market Renewal Initiative housing to meet demand, but also to started and continue the work in the provide a diversity of housing choice, to Housing Regeneration Priority Areas meet the needs of the local population, as well as to retain and attract successful • Diversify and increase housing households, ensuring a more sustainable choice through new developments and place. Prioritising work in the Brierfield improvements to existing stock Canal Corridor Area and the Railway Street neighbourhood will continue. • Bring back into use privately owned There are, as highlighted above, a long-term empty houses through a number of brownfield sites, but there range of interventions, including loans are also other potential previously thereby improving the street scene undeveloped sites which could be and liveability of the neighbourhoods brought forward for future housing development, which could help to meet • Improving choice of housing in the overall housing requirements as set terms of type, tenure and price out in Pendle’s Core Strategy. for local residents to retain existing residents and attract new people into Brierfield and Reedley are surrounded an increasingly thriving and attractive by stunning open countryside, but also area. have a number of existing parks and green open spaces. The focus will be on • Making the most of the canal and improving the green environment in the the countryside by improving walking area by enhancing existing green open connections and the quality of the spaces including, Heyhead Park, the environment Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the Lucas • Establish and publicise circular Sports Field as well as improving existing walking / cycling routes routes and creating new green linkages to adjoining open spaces, wooded areas, and pocket parks, if feasible. There is also the opportunity to explore the potential of the LCC/ PBC owned wooded area adjoining Northlight for activities, such as mountain biking and walks. The aim is to promote access for all. - 33 - * Council Tax Data (2015) - 34 - Moving Forward

Co-ordination, alignment Brierfield & Reedley and by working such as the HCA, the LEP and other together, they can sell and help deliver local, regional and Central Government and support the vision, as well as’ make it real’ for schemes might have funding pots The collaboration and cooperation of people by making the connections. Young available to help bring forward new key stakeholder organisations will people in particular are an important homes or infrastructure. be crucial for bringing forward and asset for Brierfield and Reedley and are delivering the vision and regeneration an integral element of the area’s future. LEP funding includes The Local Growth opportunities. Fund – a combination of Central Investment and Funding Government funding, and both European Pendle Council, as the local authority, is a Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and key regeneration body with considerable Resources European Social Fund (ESF) to maximise statutory planning and other powers To deliver the scope of change and to regeneration and economic development that can enable major, minimal help support delivery of key priorities within Lancashire. The LEP also and comprehensive regeneration across Brierfield and Reedley, there administrates the Growing Places Fund opportunities. However, it recognises it are a number of potential funding and (GPF), a loan which can help unlock key cannot deliver this vision and strategic resource streams that could be tapped infrastructure issues. framework alone. into. Regenerate Pennine Lancashire and The Council has a history of collaborative New funding opportunities could Boost Lancashire Growth Hub offer working and will work with its various potentially arise in the future that could a range of grants which can help partners, delivery agencies, the be bid for and capitalised upon. businesses to expand. local community and its community organisations including: Pendle Council has existing resources, Lottery - The Heritage Lottery Fund such as the Empty Homes Loan Fund (HLF) gives grants to sustain and Key Partners – this could include from its central budget. It also has a transform our heritage. Most of their PEARL2, Lancashire County Council, borough-wide Brownfield Sites Fund grants are for public benefit (except Registered Providers, Historic England, that could be explored. The Brierfield Townscape and Enterprise) ranging from Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Area Committee also has its own capital £3,000 to £5m. Grants are available for the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and revenue budget, which is deployed historic buildings, parks and historic Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, New to carry out improvement works, such places, archaeology, environment and Ground, and the Canal and River Trust. as shop front improvement grants, cultural traditions. Townscape Heritage environmental, infrastructure and provide grants to revitalise Conservation Key Landowners - the significant street improvements. With the recent Areas. Heritage Enterprise also provides landowners are Lancashire County devolvement of responsibilities and grants to regenerate buildings and sites. Council, Housing Pendle, Network Rail, custodianship of community buildings Brierfield Town Council, Canal and to Town and Parish Council’s, they have The Big Lottery Fund mainly supports River Trust, as well as private sector been empowered at local level and now community and voluntary organisations landowners. have the scope to raise funds through a to deliver projects, which may include Council tax precept. heritage projects with grants ranging Brierfield Town Council and Reedley from £300-£500,000. Hallows Parish Councils comprise 12 Pendle Council will explore and procure Arts Council England and 8 councillors and represent the external funding, where possible and , which uses both residents of their respective areas. work collaboratively with partners Lottery and Central Government funding, to bring forward the right package has a number of funding pots which could The local community and community of investment to deliver the priority provide complementary funding for a organisations, charities, faith groups objectives including: project. including the mosque and churches, and Community Infrastructure Levy / S106 local residents. LCC – for specific highways improvement, Agreements – funds from planning walking connection improvement obligations secured through planning The role of the community in helping proposals. permissions, from major development to support and deliver aspects of the schemes, could help deliver requisite vision is critical. There are many Other Public Sector- Other public sector supporting physical infrastructure for the active community organisations within funding streams arising from bodies local area.

- 35 - Delivery And Delivery Tools

Quick wins • Feasibility study into uses and • Development control planning ‘Quick wins’ are interventions the improvements for heritage/landmark tools. Conditions attached to a Council can lead on within a short period buildings, including a business planning consent of a new application of time working with key partners to case and funding possibilities, such as are a direct and legitimate tool make positive changes early on. Heritage Lottery Grants to influence the form and nature of development. Conditions can relate to The Council is working with Pearl2, to • Viability studies could be carried out, matters such as design, and support the delivery of a new housing where appropriate for assessing the operational issues such as restrictions development on the Clitheroe Rd site viability of a site for a housing scheme on operating hours/restrictions on use and a mixed use development project by the Council in collaboration with of closed retail shutters etc. at Northlight. The first phases of both a partner (Pearl2 and or a registered these developments are planned to start provider). • Enforcement powers under planning in 2016. These developments build on the and housing legislation to tackle regeneration work already carried out in 2. Design and Development rundown buildings and sites. the Brierfield Canal Corridor Area and Briefs Enforcement action can also be taken will make big transformational wins early for unauthorised commercial signs The preparation of development and on. and signage clutter. design briefs, in collaboration with the Another early win project planned, which landowner could be a useful tool for • New neighbourhood planning powers forms a priority within this strategy is to supporting the development of a vacant came into force under the Localism improve connections between Northlight site. Act 2011, allowing communities and the town centre. Funding (LCC and to shape development in their areas To support the application of good urban LEP -Local Growth Fund) has been through the production of design principles, the Council has in secured for some highway junction/ Neighbourhood Development Plans. A place several adopted Supplementary street work improvements and the work neighbourhood development plan Planning Documents (SDPs). The relevant will be delivered in 2016-17 as part could be taken forward by either a ones are The Conservation Area Design of wider Burnley–Pendle M65 Growth town/parish council or a Guidance SPD and Design Principles Corridor programme of work. ‘neighbourhood forum’ subject to a SPD, together with the two Brierfield community referendum and a number ‘neighbourhood SPDs’. These are the Potential Delivery Tools of conditions being met. Brierfield Canal Corridor SPD (2005) and There are a range of delivery tools that Railway Street Masterplan SPD (2010). the Council, its partners, landowners Neighbourhood development plans and local organisations could explore establish general planning policies for 3. Other Initiatives and utilise to support the delivery of this the development and use of land in a Other planning, legal and financial neighbourhood, such as where new strategy. These are set out below: delivery mechanisms could be utilised, homes and offices should be built and including: what they should look like. The plan 1. Feasibility and Viability can be detailed or general, it depends Studies • Work with developers/partners to what local people want. Neighbourhood A number of studies could be explored help remove barriers to development plans have to take into account the and could include (but are not exclusive (e.g., helping to identify funding strategic context and the local council’s to): opportunities). assessment of housing and other development needs in the area. • Continue to work with owners of empty • Feasibility /Appraisal of a Conservation homes to encourage bringing them Area for Brierfield Town Centre The Department for Communities and back into use through a range of Local Government have grants available • Feasibility of a townscape heritage interventions. up to £9,000 (from 1 April 2016) to help lottery funding bid for a town centre groups write a neighbourhood plan or up improvement project to £15,000 if a group has complex issues. - 36 - Appendix 1:

Strategies, Plans, Masterplans of relevance to the development of this Strategy

The strategies and plans are:

Lancashire Strategic Economic Plan 2015-2025 (2014)

Pendle Local Plan Part 1: Core Strategy (2015)

Pendle Replacement Local Plan 2001-2016 (2006)

Our Pendle Our Future: Pendle’s Sustainable Community Strategy (2008)

Burnley-Pendle Growth Corridor Strategy (2014)

Brierfield Area Development Framework (2004)

Brierfield Canal Corridor SPD (2005)

Railway Street Masterplan SPD (2010)

Brierfield Mills Conservation Area Character Appraisal (2006)

Pennine Lancashire Investment Plan (2013)

Draft Pennine Lancashire Heritage Investment Strategy 2015-20 (2014)

Pendle Conservation Area Design and Development Guidance SPD (2008)

Pendle Design Principles SPD (2009)

Pendle Strategic Plan (2015-2018)

- 37 - Appendix 2:

Listed buildings and structures in Brierfield and Reedley

Brierfield

• Brierfield Cenotaph

• Brierfield Methodist Church

• Brierfield Mills

• Clay Cottage

• Leeds and Liverpool Canal Bridge no 138 - Clogger Bridge

• The Limes

• Brierfield Town Hall

Reedley Hallows

• Greenhead Farmhouse

• Ingham’s Farmhouse

• Domus

- 38 -

A once in a lifetime opportunity to drive forward change Designed by Pendle Council iJb11598