Pendle completes strategic Nelson acquisition

After a two-year process, the council has finally taken control of the 100,000 sq ft Pendle Rise shopping centre, reaching a £3.95m settlement with the previous owner.

Pendle Council can now press ahead with plans to knock down the Nelson retail centre and replace it with a 55,000 sq ft mixed-use complex comprising nine commercial units as well as a supermarket as anchor tenant.

Pendle’s development partner Brookhouse – part of the public/private PenBrook JV established in 2022 – plans to invest £12.5m in the project. In addition, £9m of a wider £25m Town Deal allocation will also go towards the scheme.

Boots, Greggs, Specsavers, and Card Warehouse – all existing tenants within the shopping centre – have expressed a desire to be relocated within the new Pendle Rise, according to a council report. There has also been interest from B&M, Food Warehouse, and The Range.

Pendle’s quest to acquire the shopping centre has been a drawn-out one. Previous owner Mohammed Asjad Arnold was prosecuted during the process for failing to provide certain information to the council, according to a report.

Axis Property Consultancy advised the council, which also paid for Roger Hannah to represent the vendor. Asjad Arnold “subsequently dis-instructed” his advisor and dealt directly with Axis, the report states.

Rose Rouse, chief executive of Pendle Council, said the acquisition is “key” to the redevelopment of Nelson town centre.

“[The purchase] 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.”

Phillip Spurr, Pendle Council’s director of place, added: “The vision to redevelop the Pendle Rise Shopping Centre site stems from extensive public consultation carried out as part of the Nelson Masterplan.

“Most people who gave their views wanted to see Pendle Rise tackled as a priority.”

The council has appointed Beddows to run the centre pending demolition. The authority has pledged to assist tenants to relocate to new premises in the town.

Spurr added: “We know that this may be a worrying time for tenants, but we will work closely with everyone to minimise uncertainty and disruption.”