Plans to transform historic Burnley town centre building into three flats

The owner of 126 St James’ Street, which falls within the curtilage of Empire Theatre, wants to upgrade the derelict premises.

D. Wiseman has applied for planning permission to convert the three upper storeys into three self-contained flats with a rear steel staircase for access.

It is the latest in a string of similar moves in the historic street in the town centre.

In July, Burnley Council approved the transformation of a vacant cafe building at 160 St James’s Street into a shop, offices and studios.

This month it granted permission for bookmakers’ Paddy Power to turn the vacant Royal Bank of Scotland building at 40 to 42 into a betting shop.

Last year, work began on a £2.5million regeneration scheme to turn the lower part of St James’s Street into a retail and creative quarter, as part of the Heritage Action Zone project.

Supporting documents submitted with the latest application say: “The site is located within the town centre location on St James’s Street within a parade of retail shops.

“It consists of a three storey building with a basement.

“The site falls within a conservation area and within the curtilage of a Grade II listed building – The Empire Theatre.

“Number 126 St James’s Street is a locally listed building which has some key architectural features to the front façade which has some historical significance.

“The application site used to form part of the entrance parade of Victoria Theatre on St James’s Street demolished in 1955.

“Following decades of being a derelict and neglected which has resulted to decay, vandalism, dry rot and water penetration leaving the building’s interior in a very poor condition.

“The proposals seek to bring this building back to life by carrying out works to upgrade the existing structures.

“The works will include repairs and restoration where applicable that will collectively preserve and enhance the building, and ensure its long term use and viability.

“The proposal is to retain the ground floor as a retail unit with basement used as ancillary space.

“It involves a new rear access staircase to all upper floors and the removal of the internal timber stairs to give more space to the internal studio apartments.

“The front elevation is to remain as existing with the upgrade of the retail shop front.”