South Ribble Borough Council has begun the work in Leyland funded by its eight-figure Town Deal allocation.
The council secured £25m from the government and has added £13m of its own funding for a combined £38m investment project.
The Leyland Town Deal project includes two main schemes in the town centre: the BASE2 Skills Hub including new commercial space, and Leyland town centre improvements that include Leyland Market refurbishment and public realm works.
Following a large consultation process seeking views from residents, stakeholders and businesses, the first phases of work are now underway.
The first phase of site clearance on Quin Street and John Street has been completed by ADS Environmental.
In preparation for 2023 the team have been busy securing the land acquisitions for the scheme. The final stage designs are being worked on and the final planning application decisions are expected shortly.
The first major acquisition for the scheme is the former NFM Iddons building, which is now complete. The company has been assisted by South Ribble Borough Council to find and relocate to their new home on Walton Summit.
The acquisition of the former Heaton’s site on John Street has also been completed for the Leyland Town Deal scheme. This area of land will be the location for the new BASE2 Skills Hub.
Charles Hadcock, chair of Leyland Town Deal Board said: “It is great to see that this project is now underway with the first onsite works and building acquisitions completed. It is a great opportunity to achieve fundamental changes to Leyland Town Centre that will improve it for future generations”
Coun Paul Foster, leader of South Ribble Borough Council said: “The Town Deal funding was identified as a great opportunity to inject some much needed investment into Leyland town centre.
"The successful bid and subsequent funding allocation means that the ambitious regeneration plans are now underway, which is great news for the South Ribble economy.”
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