The future of retail in Nelson is currently a hot topic among members of the Nelson Town Deal board, as they engage in discussions about the redevelopment of the Pendle Rise shopping site. As part of the ambitious £25 million Nelson Town Deal, the plan includes not only the demolition of the outdated 1960s Pendle Rise mall but also the regeneration of the location into a vibrant hub featuring new retail units and improved facilities, including car parking.
The need for a thoughtful rebirth of Pendle Rise is pressing. Retailers currently operating in Pendle Rise are slated for relocation to nearby vacant shops in early 2025. This transition aims to facilitate the clearance of the existing structure, which has become less appealing to consumers and businesses alike. The board overseeing this transformation consists of Pendle councillors and non-elected members who represent various stakeholders, including property regeneration partners, local businesses, educational institutions, and community organisations.
Councillor Asjad Mahmood, leader of Pendle Council, is one of the driving voices in these discussions. He emphasizes the necessity for a diverse array of retail options once the redevelopment is complete. Mahmood underscored the importance of incorporating high-quality food courts and highlighted the pressing need for a major retailer to serve as an anchor store for the new complex. This anchor store would not only attract foot traffic but also solidify the financial viability of the renewed shopping area.
However, there appears to be a divergence of opinions on how best to approach the redevelopment between Mahmood and other board members. Cllr David Whipp, the council’s deputy leader and part of an independent/Liberal Democrat coalition, openly acknowledged these mixed perspectives. He asserted that while an anchor tenant is important, there are several nuances to consider when deciding the overall vision for Nelson’s retail future.
Chair of the Town Deal board, Stephen Barnes, comfortably aligns with the notion of securing an anchor tenant for Pendle Rise, recognizing the necessity of having a stable retailer to bolster the development’s success. Nevertheless, the broader question remains: what type of retail landscape do board members envision for Nelson? And how do they plan to inject fresh energy into the shopping experience in a way that meets the needs of the local community?
The input of Paul Hartley, a representative from In-Situ culture and community organisation which engages in various grassroots initiatives in Pendle, adds additional depth to the conversation. Hartley is closely attuned to community sentiments and suggests that the vision for Nelson town centre is currently ambiguous, leaving many residents wondering about the direction of its redevelopment. He draws inspiration from the successful initiatives taking shape in nearby Burnley, where inventive solutions include food courts and creative uses of empty retail spaces.
“You can’t create a shopping destination by replicating what already exists in Burnley or Blackburn. We need to think outside the box and identify what makes Nelson unique,” he argues, suggesting that there are opportunities to build something distinctive, rather than simply attempting to clone existing retail models. Hartley believes that a key aspect of regeneration lies in addressing spaces that can test new ideas, providing local entrepreneurs with opportunities to thrive.
Reflecting on community events, Hartley shares the recent success of a Christmas event held at Pendle Rise, which drew a substantial number of visitors. He also highlights a previous event hosted at the former Altham’s travel agency that allowed several small businesses to collectively earn over £1,500. These occasions, primarily organised by young people opting not to pursue university education, reflect the potential of grassroots initiatives to attract foot traffic and enliven the retail scene in Nelson. This speaks to a broader need for creativity and innovation in the approach to retail, which is essential to capturing the community’s interest.
Hartley expresses concern that many ideas being considered may echo past attempts that failed to resonate with the public. He explains that there is a palpable sense of mistrust in the community and a desire for transparency regarding the redevelopment process. While positive relationships with stakeholders have been cultivated, residents are eager for concrete information about the board’s vision for Nelson, seeking clarity on how their opinions will be integrated into the final plan.
Cllr Whipp also shares an important perspective, emphasizing that the goal should not be to create a generic shopping experience that mimics rival towns. He asserts that national retailers are losing their appeal and posits that Nelson should be looking to embrace and celebrate its distinct Asian heritage. “There is significant strength in our community’s cultural identity, and we should focus on building around that rather than diluting it with the same shops that can be found elsewhere,” he states.
Whipp passionately advocates for fostering local businesses, noting that Pendle has had remarkable success in this area compared to broader national benchmarks. He insists that the key to drawing visitors to Nelson lies in its unique selling points—features that are inherently tied to the town’s character and identity. Instead of competing on the same terms as Burnley or Blackburn, Nelson should lean into what makes its community special.
As discussions progress, it becomes clear that while the debate over the future of Pendle Rise is multifaceted, the underlying theme remains consistent: the push for innovation, diversity, and authenticity in the retail landscape. Whether the focus should be on attracting major retailers, cultivating local businesses, or integrating community-driven initiatives into the shopping experience, it is essential for the Town Deal board to navigate these discussions carefully. There is a collective understanding that success will come not only from rebuilding the physical space of Pendle Rise, but more importantly, from regenerating the spirit of community engagement, creativity, and celebration of Nelson’s unique heritage.
Looking ahead, members of the Town Deal board are tasked with finding common ground amid differing opinions, as they strive to create a sustainable and appealing retail environment that serves the community well into the future. The conversations surrounding the Pendle Rise shopping site are a reflection of the broader challenges facing many towns seeking to adapt and evolve in an era of changing consumer habits and competitive retail landscapes. Both the opportunities and obstacles are illuminated in the discussions, making it a pivotal moment for Nelson as it lays the groundwork for a revitalized shopping experience. As board members continue to deliberate, their decisions will shape not only the physical redevelopment of Pendle Rise but also the essence of Nelson’s commercial identity in the years to come.