A MULTI-million pound transformation of Farnworth town centre could be completed by next year.

Developers St Modwen announced their plans to open a two-storey shopping parade at the Market Precinct between Brackley Street and King Street by September 2016, at a heated Farnworth area forum meeting.

The plans, if approved, would include 23,000 sq ft building of retail space and a decision on the plans is due to be made by March 23.

St Modwen said they were currently in negotiations with a gym and leisure operator and that, if these negotiations are successful, a private gym would be opened on the shopping parade's first floor.

They are also in negotiations with national retail occupiers and are looking to open four new shops in the parade.

Some residents furiously opposed the plans, saying that Farnworth did not need a new gym facility, but St Modwen representatives said it was standard practice to speak to potential occupiers who wanted to take up a lease at a site.

The Farnworth area forum meeting took place at Trinity Church in Market Street.