Fresh details on Pendle Rise Shopping Centre’s imminent demolition

A soft strip out of everything remaining and the removal of asbestos is also due to commence at the end of March prior to the demolition of the building from mid-April onwards.

The shopping centre, which first opened in the 1960s, closed its doors for the final time in November 2025 following the council’s takeover of the building in June 2024 as part of its plan to breathe new life into the heart of Nelson supported by Government funding through the Nelson Town Deal.

As a replacement for Pendle Rise and its surrounding area, the development of a modern retail complex, which will include a range of food options, parking for over 150 cars and landscaped outdoor areas, is set to begin shortly after the demolition work is completed. Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Pendle Borough Council and Nelson Town Deal board member expressed excitement about the upcoming transformation.

“The demolition contractor is now in possession of the site, and we are working with the team to complete the final tasks before demolition can take place. We will then be one step closer to seeing the transformation of Nelson’s town centre, which will attract investment, create jobs and provide our residents and visitors with a place to enjoy spending time in,” Mahmood said.

While a proposed tenant line-up for the new shopping complex is yet to be announced, Brookhouse Property Director Mike Nuttall has dropped an update on a retailer interest in the scheme.

“We are at an exciting time with retailer interest in the new scheme looking strong; and soon we will be able to release details of the proposed tenant line-up,” Nuttall said.