VISITORS to Chorley will see lots of change taking place over the coming months as Chorley Council presses ahead with an exciting £16 million programme.

Following on from the authority’s decision to approve the plans last week it can now reveal what will be happening over the coming months.

The first step will be to create extra car parking, which is something traders and shoppers have asked for, before work starts on building the £12 million Market Walk extension this summer.

Cllr Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “The changes we are making over the next couple of years are geared towards giving Chorley’s town centre a long term future.

“Now we’ve made the decision to carry on with the work it is important people get to see what the plan of activity will be over the rest of this year so they know what to expect. We know many people want to see the historic markets and excellent independent traders remain at the heart of our offer and we’ll be working with them to ensure that happens and that we have a unique offer that will draw more visitors.”

The timescale the council is working to over the coming months is:

• Extension of the Cleveland Street car park – work has started with it due to open in June,

• Two-storey car park on Friday Street/Portland Street - designs are now being drawn up with it due to open by September

• Improvements to the crossing on the by-pass leading to Friday Street/Portland Street – April – June

• Building of the Market Walk extension – work is ongoing doing an interior redesign and securing the lettings – work on site will start later in the summer in September

“It’s a really exciting time for Chorley with these improvements as well as the opening of the new youth zone and work on the Primrose Gardens retirement village,”

“It is important people see that we have a clear plan as there will be a lot of change over the next couple of years.

“Inevitably the schedule will be subject to change but we will adapt and manage that as work takes place. We will be meeting regularly with traders and it is important that there is an ongoing dialogue so any potential problems can be ironed out before they become an issue.”