Demolition was expected to start at Nelson’s Pendle Rise in October 2025, once Pendle Council has full powers over to the whole site and all shop traders have been relocated.

But progress has been made in providing Christmas support for traders dealing with vermin and telecom mast relocation plans, Nelson Town Board heard.

Richard Savory, of the Raise Partnership, which is working with Pendle Council, said: “Since purchasing Pendle Rise,  Pendle Council with the management operator, Beddows Ltd, have repaired key operating systems and dealt with a vermin infestation.

“The centre continues operating relatively smoothly. There are some issues still, such as the absence of operational heating around the main areas, which is a problem at this time of year. But we are running a safe and compliant centre.

“The project team has ramped-up marketing and communications to support existing retailers  and show local people Pendle Rise is still open for business. This has included town centre banners, posters and signs, visual impressions of the proposed new development, newspaper and radio advertisements, newsletters, social media and a short video.

“The council leader, Cllr Asjad Mahmood, has continued visits to meet traders.”

He admitted such actions “could not turn back the clock to the heydays of Pendle Rise” but would aid traders this yuletide.

Further meetings between tenants and the council over compulsory purchase order rights are ongoing.

Mr Savory said a ‘soft strip-out’ of some vacant shops has been done. After Christmas  the focus will shift to relocating remaining traders to other Nelson town centre units. Then a ‘hard strip-out’ of units and the disposal of asbestos will be undertaken.

No budget changes have been reported and redevelopment works are being co-ordinated with Lancashire County Council improvements, it is said.

Town board chairman Stephen Barnes asked: “Regarding masts and utilities, can we pin the telecom companies down to dates? Regarding utilities, we all have scars on our backs from dealing with utilities and we know there are utilities around Pendle Rise.”

Mike Nuttall, of the Brookhouse Group, for the Penbrook joint venture with Pendle Council, said: “This is a key constraint. Utilities are the ‘uncontrollable’ elements in this.  However, we are optimistic about utilities and have good things in place. With telecom masts, one firm has got approval and two others are being encouraged to act. The compulsory purchase order is coming and all the firms are now engaging. Previously, one was not.”

Borough deputy leader Cllr David Whipp added: “Regarding telecoms, I’m more than happy to help. I made it onto TV trying to stop Virgin Media digging-up half of Barnoldswick.”

He also raised concerns about direct and indirect financial costs to Pendle Council regarding Pendle Rise, such as council staff involvement, centre operation costs and business rate implications.