THE multi-million pound redevelopment of the Valley Centre in Rawtenstall could be completed in the next two years, if plans are approved by councillors.

Bosses of developers CNC Properties told Rossendale Council they want the site to be up and running by late 2009, although council chiefs have set a timetable for opening by Easter the following year.

The schedule was revealed at a meeting of Rossendale Council this week.

A full planning application is expected to go to the council in August for the £33million shopping centre redevelopment, a key part of plans for the regeneration of the town.

The plans include a multi-storey car park for a minimum of 300 vehicles, leisure facilities and 65,000 sq ft of shops.

Replying to a question from Labour group leader Alyson Barnes about when development would start, Coun Bill Challinor said: "The developer is keen to start work on site as soon as planning permission is granted and says he could be open for business by late 2009.

"Although that is great, we feel it is more likely to be around Easter of the following year."

A public vote earlier this year suggested that the new development should keep the name the Valley Centre.

After being presented with a number of different names and the opportunity to make their own suggestions for the building, the majority of voters opted not to change the existing name.

The decision was agreed at a recent meeting between CNC Properties, councillors and planning officials.

But the firm is keen to give the proposed residential units a different name in order to clearly differentiate property usage and to avoid confusion over postal addresses.