In the heart of Rawtenstall, a long-neglected corner may soon stir with new life. Rossendale Council, working alongside Barnfield Investment Properties, is exploring a bold regeneration plan that could see the derelict Heritage Arcade and neighbouring buildings transformed into modern homes and lively community spaces.
From dereliction to ambition
Once a bustling shopping arcade, the Heritage building fell silent after a devastating fire in 1998. Since then, it has stood as a stark reminder of what once was—a neglected space in an otherwise thriving town centre. Previous attempts to revive it never really took off, despite planning permission having already been granted for 42 flats. Now, however, a new chapter may be about to begin.
Backed by funding from the Government’s £20 million Plan for Neighbourhoods, the proposal forms part of the Rossendale Together Barnfield partnership, which also includes Together Housing. This collaborative effort aims not just to build homes, but to breathe new life into Rawtenstall’s historic heart.
Local figures, including Councillor Alyson Barnes and MP Andy MacNae, are heavily involved in steering proceedings. Fundamentally, this is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about restoring civic pride and reclaiming a cherished spot for future generations.
Decisions ahead: vision versus viability
For all its promise, though, the scheme is not without uncertainty. The first stage involves a detailed feasibility and design study by Barnfield Investment Properties, weighing up the costs, challenges and potential of the development. Should the sums stack up, Barnfield Construction could be appointed to deliver the project.
Still, nothing is set in stone. Rossendale Council is keeping its options open—anything from undertaking the redevelopment itself, to taking legal enforcement action against the owners or, as a last resort, walking away altogether. What is clear, however, is the appetite for change. If realised, the scheme could not only reshape a forgotten corner of Rawtenstall but also set an optimistic tone for regeneration across the borough.
