NEW life has been breathed into the former Mercers toyshop in Blackburn as it becomes ‘Heatleys Arcade’, a market hall for small independent traders.

Successful local businessman Mark Smith has spent "several thousand pounds" refurbishing the ground floor with six units.

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Five are already let with the first business, De Luxe Nails and Make Up’, which has taken two sections opening earlier this week.

Partners Danielle Boyle, 30, and Lucie Howson, 24, are already booked up for the next few days with their second ‘beauty’ room close to being ready.

Three other businesses, Famous Hair Extensions, a beauty salon and hairdressers, will take up residence shortly.

Mercers toyshop closed in September and Mr Smith bought the building and has plans to restore the second storey like the ground floor, complete with a new cafe.

Mr Smith, who owns Exchange Coffee, with branches in Blackburn and Clitheroe, has renamed the building on the corner of Darwen Street and Jubilee Street after its original 1860 use as ‘Heatleys Chambers’.

With rents at £80 per week, it includes support and advice for his tenants to get their business off the ground as with his earlier initiative of ‘Artisan Row’ in Blackburn Market.

Mr Smith said: “This is an iconic and historic building which I wanted to bring back into use.“The aim is to provide small, affordable spaces for small businesses and entrepreneurs to get going.

“I have spent several thousands pounds on the arcade and have already let five of the six units.

“We’ll start work on the top floor soon in a similar fashion and bring a cafe back there.

“I also have plans for similar development at the old Philanthropic building on Darwen Street.”

Miss Howson said: “We are really excited and getting booked up for days ahead.

“It’s a lovely building in great location with beautiful rooms, just right for our business.”