MORE details have been revealed about the demolition of Thwaites former brewery in Blackburn and what will remain after the main buildings have been knocked down.

The old stables block and the firm's technical services block, a former pub, will be retained as they are in the Eanam Wharf Conservation area.

The now-closed Fleece pub and the former visitors' centre in the premises once used by The Waterloo at the corner of Penny Street and Barbara Castle Way will also be kept.

Two former hostelries Uncle Tom’s Cabin, closed and de-licensed more than a decade ago, and The Veteran on Salford, which ash not traded for 10 years, will be demolished.

The brewery hopes the The Fleece Inn on Penny Street can be revived, possibly once again as a bar.

John Draper, Thwaites estates director, said the former pub and visitors' centre were of 'great character' and deserved to be brought back into use.

The firm is in discussions with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council about future uses for the cleared site and the retained buildings.

Thwaites confirmed last week that demolition of the former Star brewery will start next month but the landmark tower will remain until its is knocked down in stages in the summer.

Contractor P P O’Connor currently preparing the seven-acre site for demolition to begin.

Production of beer at the 210-year-old brewery ended in May after a travellers’ invasion was transferred to the company’s new home at Sykes Holt, near Mellor Brook.

Mr Draper said: “We have yet to make any decisions about the future of these areas.

“The Fleece and our former visitor centre are being retained as the buildings have great character, so ultimately we’d like to see them being used.

“The old stables and the buildings we have in Eanam are in a conservation area, so they are not part of demolition plans.

“We have been in Blackburn for over 210 years so we are taking our time making decisions about the future as it’s important to work with people to find the most appropriate way forward. We have been in discussion with the council as we’d like to see the old brewery site redeveloped and that dialogue is continuing.”

Cllr Phil Riley, council regeneration boss, said: "I am very pleased The Fleece is being kept and hopefully brought back into use as part of Blackburn's leisure and night time economy. We are are happy to discuss the future of the buildings in the conservation area."