BLACKBURN is set to win the National Lottery cash needed to kick start the £3million makeover of the historic buildings and heritage of its Victorian Quarter.

The announcement of the £1.5million grant is expected to be made in the next few weeks.

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The news has been welcomed by politicians and traders as a major boost to the town’s regeneration.

The cash award will enable council plans to match the grant to move ahead so work can start on the £3million project to turn Blakey Moor and Northgate into a ‘restaurant, cafe and nightlife’ hub.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given approval in principle to the grant but is not allowed to confirm it until after Thursday’s European Referendum.

It emerged over the weekend that final details of the deal, which will include a face-lift of King George’s Hall, are being worked on prior to an announcement soon after the pre-vote ‘purdah’ affecting all decisions and cash grants involving government-related bodies ends.

Under the five-year ‘Townscape Heritage Initiative’ scheme, key Victorian buildings will be made over to attract cafes, coffee houses and eateries, including national chains, to create a visitor honeypot.

News of the imminent greenlight has been welcomed by Blackburn MP Kate Hollern, chamber of trade president Tony Duckworth, Blackburn Improve District Manager Harriet Roberts, and council Tory group regeneration spokesman Derek Hardman.

Mrs Hollern said: “This is a very good bid and I am confident it will succeed.

“I understand that the Heritage Lottery Fund are dotting the ‘i’s and crossing the ‘t’s in advance of an announcement shortly after the European Union Referendum on Thursday.

“This grant the whole scheme for Northgate and Blakey Moor will be a tremendous boost to the town, its history and Victorian heritage.”

It will put flesh on the bones of the borough’s 2013 ambition to bring five major new eating places to the town centre.

The Premier Inn in the £34million Cathedral Quarter development’s ‘Thyme Restaurant’ and ‘Cafe Northcote’ in the new Clergy Court are already operating.

Nando’s in the Vue cinema complex and a cafe/dessert bar in the One Cathedral Square office block will open later this summer.

Mr Duckworth said: “It is long overdue to take steps to improve and rejuvenate this part of Blackburn.

“It has the full support of the Chamber of Trade and its members.

“I hope that soon after the Euro-referendum is over the HLF can announce this grant and can start work on this vital project.”

Details of the bid for £1.5million of lottery money matched by £1.5million of council cash and private funding were approved by Blackburn with Darwen borough’s ruling executive board in February and submitted to the HLF.

The scheme would fully restore Blakey Moor Terrace and Baroque pub premises, give King George’s Hall a facelift and refurbish 20 shop frontages along Northgate and Lord Street West.

Mrs Roberts said: “Fantastic news! This will bring increased economic prosperity for businesses around that historic area and improve our leisure, twilight and night time offer.”

Cllr Hardman said: “I am looking forward to this bid being successful.

“This historic part of town has been in decline for many years and is in need of major refurbishment.

“I am very hopeful it will be officially confirmed soon and work can start on transforming Blakey Moor and Northgate into an vital part of the town centre.”

An HLF spokesman said: “At present we are not in a position to announce publicly the result of the application to us.

“ As you know our committee were supportive but many of the details are still being worked out and we have not yet given permission to start.”

There was no-one from Blackburn with Darwen council available for comment.

The Northgate conservation area of 150 properties will be the centre of any spending.