EAST Lancashire Railway has announced plans for a £600,000 station redevelopment.

Bury-based Equilibrium Architects, in Walmersley Road, have been tasked with creating the plans for the new station in Rawtenstall.

ELR is now looking to secure permission from Rossendale Council for the redevelopment.

The railway is looking to create a new 37m long station building, which will be completely accessible and include a cafe, kitchen, common room, tourist information centre and toilet and baby changing facilities.

ELR also hopes to erect an ‘L’ shaped canopy spanning the length and width of the station buildings, expand the existing Buffer Stops Bar and relocate the current toilets.

Existing outside space will also be remodelled with landscaping, sheltered cycle stands and picnic areas.

Equilibrium director Richard Shuttleworth said he understands how important it is to preserving the railway’s heritage for many years to come.

Mr Shuttleworth, said: “We are very pleased and proud to be working with the ELR on such an exciting but locally important project.

“We have appreciated from the ELR brief the importance of preserving the heritage look and feel of the station.

“With these proposals Rawtenstall will have, for many years to come, a part of its proud railway heritage preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.”

If permission is granted, further details on the proposed development, including timescales, will be made available and a fundraising campaign will be launched.

Mike Kelly, ELR chairman, said: “This is a very exciting time for us here at the ELR with record levels of growth in visitors and hosting a wide range of diverse events.

“The redevelopment of Rawtenstall Station is one of our top priorities for the future which will see a doubling of jobs and thousands of additional visitors using the facilities at the station and hopefully travelling on the railway.

“We have spent the last few months working with Equilibrium Architects to come up with a design that is both in keeping with the station’s traditional appearance, yet boasting modern, high quality facilities.”