PLANS have been unveiled to create Lancashire’s first ‘green’ college in a landmark Nelson building.

Property developer Adam Bhailok, the son of multi-millionaire Yousuf Bhailok, is behind the proposals to convert Trafalgar House, which once housed Nelson Municipal Secondary School, into the further education centre.

He said the college, which he described as a new business venture, would offer between 150 and 500 students from all over the world courses on environmental issues, such as carbon management and carbon efficiency.

If the plans are rubber-stamped by councillors, seven jobs are expected to be created at the Booth Street building.

Mr Bhailok’s family owns a number of prominent buildings in Lancashire, including a row in Market Street, Preston town centre. His firms have already carried out a number of major regeneration projects in the county’s administrative capital.

And he is confident of helping restore the Nelson landmark to its former glory, which he said would have a positive effect on the town.

He said: “It would be for young people, probably aged around 18, who want to gain access to university here, but want to experience England first. Students from all over Europe or the Arab world for example, as well as people from the UK.”

According to Mr Bhailok, the courses would be similar to ones offered by the University of East Anglia.

Students who require accommodation close to the college would be offered the relevant advice.

He said: “The courses will last for between six and 12 months. The details have yet to be finalised but there would be a few courses on environmental issues, as well as at least one business related course. They would be similar to GNVQs but more advanced.

“It is important that this generation of young people going to university understand the environmental issues.”

The plans have been submitted to Pendle Council by Mr Bhailok’s firm, Environmental Management Business Academy (EMBA) Ltd.

Under the scheme, a library would be created on the ground floor of the building and former classrooms would be brought back to life.

If councillors approve the proposals, Mr Bhailok expects around seven jobs to be created at the site.

He said: “I will need lecturers, a principal and other staff like secretaries.

“The building is already perfect. It would really assist Nelson because it is an empty building but it is also a very nice building.

“There are other colleges like this throughout England and they are very successful. I’m sure this will be very successful as well.”

At the beginning of the 20th Century Trafalgar House was home to Nelson Municipal Secondary School.

The operation was later moved to Walton Lane, where it became Nelson Grammar School.

Trafalgar House later housed the local education office, but it has lain empty since the service was centralised to County Hall, Preston.

Coun Allan Buck, executive member with responsibility for economic development and tourism, said: “I need to know a bit more about the development before I can support it 100 per cent, but it does sound interesting. I’m always keen to see jobs created “It’s a large building which does need a suitable use and this does seem to be a suitable use.

“Anything that helps Nelson get back on its feet is good for the town.”

Councillors on Pendle Council’s Nelson Committee will discuss the plans at Nelson Town Hall at 7pm on Monday May 10.