PLANS have been revealed for a £262million redevelopment of the former Horwich Loco Works which will include a food and drink hall and well-being centre.

Two of the historic buildings at the site will also be restored to their former glory as part of the 1,700-home development at the works.

Proposals have also been put forward to transform the former Millwrights shop into a mix of a heritage venue, community health and well-being centre, and a retail food and drink hall.

The former Pattern Makers building is set to be renovated into a 166-space multi-storey car park within the existing building structure and open at roof level.

Another key element will be the Rivington Chase heritage trail allowing the public to retrace the steps of the thousands of workers who passed through the site.

Developers say careful consideration was given during the dismantling of the erecting and repair sheds to preserve key artefacts, including the buildings' cast-iron pillars, and these will now be incorporated into the proposed pocket, playground and memorial parks dotted around the site.

Property company Bluemantle has unveiled these plans with the masterplan put forward by architects Cass Associates following consultation with the local community.

Mark Caldwell, managing director of Bluemantle, said: “Throughout the development of Rivington Chase, we have worked closely with the wider community to ensure it commemorates the heritage and special history of the Loco Works.

“I believe that these heritage and community core plans do just that and also provide a range of amenities and open spaces to be enjoyed by the whole community and for generations to come.”

Richard Roberts, director of Cass Associates, said: “The vision for the former Loco Works has at its heart the retention and repurposing of key heritage buildings and integrating these striking structures within public open space for the benefit of the community.”