A SHOW-jumping facility, adventure playground and a mountain bike trail are among options being considered for a 100-acre former industrial site.

Borough council bosses have already secured £100,000 to draw up a multi-million pound plan to transform the former NIPA Chemicals site in Oswaldtwistle.

Ideas at this stage include a mix of housing, an equestrian and show jumping facility, and a recreational area consisting of an adventure playground, mountain biking facilities, wooded walks, and fishing.

It is also hoped to a create a new college campus, and talks are to take place with Accrington and Rossendale College.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: “We are confident we can bring forward plans for this part of the borough this year.

“This is an important site, comprising over 100 acres, which the owner would like to use for a mixed use development.

“This truly is an exciting proposal, and we will be working with the owner and local residents to bring these plans forward over the next 12 months.

“This is good news and and will be a huge project not just for the town but the borough as a whole.”

The NIPA chemical processing factory in Nook Lane closed in 2006 with the loss of 40 jobs. The site was blighted by several pollution incidents and in 1998 part of the site was shut down by inspectors, following a second leak in seven months.

Over the years the factory was operated by Cocker Chemicals as well as Clariant UK.

Detailed proposals for the site are expected to be drawn up later this year.