The Whalley Road site, where Contrast Upholstery was based, has been given a new lease of life after being refurbished and is now on the market to let.

The site has been split into three separate areas comprising Falcon House with offices and a workshop, a separate industrial unit and yard space.

Contrast Upholstery, owned by Preston-based Tetrad, took over the Cobden Mill premises in 1996 but after 11 years there it was decided to centralise operations due to the age and location of the site. One of the main reasons given was the fact the expanding company did not feel it would be viable to have 40ft. lorries travelling through the village daily.

The firm was one of Sabden's main employers and the village will be hoping new plans will now breathe life into the site.

Most of the 61-strong workforce were relocated to Preston Docklands at the end of the year leaving the premises empty. The site was put on the market for £1m. and it is believed it was bought by a local developer before being put up to rent.