Abandoned conference centre and college site which had become anti-social behaviour hotspot is being demolished

The former Woodlands Conference Centre site in Southport Road Pic: Chorley Council

Five months of demolition work is beginning on a former college in Chorley.

What became the Woodlands Conference Centre in Southport Road is being taken down after standing empty for many years.

It was also home to Lancashire College and had become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

Chorley Council bought the plot in 2023 and has plans to redevelop the site in the future.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council said, “I am pleased that we can move forward with our ambition for this site – to get it ready for further regeneration which can be of a benefit to Chorley and our economic growth.

“The site has been derelict for a long time, and I hope that this can be the start of a new future for the area, transforming the site into a valued part of the Chorley community for generations to come.”

Two phases of demolition will take place running through until March next year.

The borough council said they are working to limit construction traffic at school drop off and pick up times due to the building’s close proximity to Parklands High School.

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