A CLIMBING wall and soft play centre are just two new features which could accompany a hotel and spa planned for Brierfield Mill.

Blueprints for the redevelopment of the grade II listed landmark complex, now dubbed Northlight, include space for a multi-level leisure centre, in the high bay warehouse.

The 78-bed hotel, unlike some previous designs, is now located in the North Mill, on the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, as part of an anticipated £34million development.

Planning agent Annabel Partridge said: “The ground, first and second floors will be in leisure use and the lower ground floor will be in retail use.

“These retail units are designed to accommodate retailers associated with the leisure uses like, for example, climbing equipment.”

Developers Pearl Brierfield Mill Ltd, part of the borough council’s partnership with Barnfield Construction, expect to follow up the hotel and leisure phase with apartments, also on the waterfront, and also a business centre.

These would overlook a marina and pub, with a performance area also pencilled in.

Ms Partridge added: “The delivery of a high-quality mixed use development for the Brierfield Mill complex (will) regenerate the site and preserve these heritage assets in the long term.”

Plans have also been lodged with Pendle Council for 48 new homes on land off Clitheroe Road, which is opposite the Brierfield Mill site.

Several government ministers have been brought to the location by Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson in recent months as supporters seek to secure funding to make the scheme a reality.

And a number of open days have been held to introduce the masterplan to residents.