Botany Bay has closed its doors for the final time.

The landmark mill, which is off junction 8 of the M61 at Chorley, officially shut yesterday to allow for development of the Botany Bay Outlet Village.

A notice on the Botany Bay website reads: "Sorry, we're now closed. But don't worry it's not goodbye.

"Botany Bay is closing for refurbishment and redevelopment and we're really excited about what's coming.

"For now we'd like to say thank you for your custom and we hope to see you again soon."

The mill was built in 1855 and sits next to a stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Before it closed it housed a number of small businesses selling everything from clothing and kitchen wares, to furniture and collectables.

When plans were submitted for the 300,000 sq ft site last year, developers said the scheme would create a retail village of the highest quality bringing high quality brands’ to the area and drawing visitors from all areas of the UK and beyond.

The development also includes plans for 288 new luxury homes.