A TRAINING company is set to offer more opportunities for young people entering the workplace as it plans to move into a long vacant office space in Bury town centre.

North Lancs Training Group Ltd (NLTG) is set to be the first occupants of the lower ground floor of 4 Knowsley Place since it was completed 10 years ago.

Bosses have lodged an application seeking full planning permission for the change of use of the unit from offices into an education and training centre.

The Accrington-based company, which has centres in Oldham and Bury, offer ‘ready to work’ traineeships and apprenticeships for youngsters. They say they have ‘outgrown’ their current location at The Rock.

A statement in support of the application, said: “NLTG has operated for 52 years in the employment training sector.

“In Bury, No.8 The Rock has been NLTG’s home for the past three years, but the success of the business and continued demand for its services means there’s now a need to upsize.

“The proposed change of use at Knowsley Place will allow NLTG to relocate and continue to provide training services that enable young people to access ‘Ready for Work’ traineeships and apprenticeships.

“This would include the teaching of functional and life skills to young people to support their journey into the workplace.”

Numbers 3 and 4 Knowsley Place are modern offices completed by Ask Developments in 2011. 3 Knowsley Place is the main office base for Bury Council, opposite Bury Town Hall.

The lower ground floor earmarked for the training centre has never been let or occupied despite being marketed for more than 10 years.

The centre would be non-residential and be used during daytime only.

The application continued: “This is a local relocation of an established business that has outgrown its existing premises into a long-term vacant space.”