THE COTTAM Hall regeneration scheme is set to get its first unveiling at a public exhibition this month.

Local residents will be able to learn more about the £80 million scheme, which is believed to be one of the most sustainable projects in Lancashire, on March 23 and 24.

The exhibitions will be on view at INTAG Community Centre on Whitby Avenue in Ingol. Members of the community will be able to view an exhibition on the Friday (23) and Saturday (24) and put their views forward.

Building firm, John Turner & Sons, has already started work on a new £4 million residential care home for the elderly which is a key part of Cottam Hall Properties’ redevelopment of the former brickworks.

Ian Rankin, chairman of Cottam Hall Properties commented on the exhibition. He said:

"This is a good opportunity for the local people to see how the site will benefit them. It will also give them a chance to raise any of their concerns and have them answered by a panel of professionals including myself.

"The regeneration of the former brickworks will provide many people in the area with a wide variety of facilities that includes a nature reserve, leisure and recreational facilities, housing and employment opportunities. We hope that the community is going to be really pleased with what is proposed and excited about its future as we are."

The Cottam Hall Brickworks scheme is anticipated to generate over 700 jobs and is one of a new generation of schemes in the UK that answers ecological, transport, leisure, business, residential and retail issues in one major redevelopment.

Prior to plans being drawn up, John Turner " Sons conducted a survey within the local community who voted 91 per cent in favour of the redevelopment of the former brickworks, and the proposal on view reflects the feedback from the survey.