A FORMER bank is set for a £250,000 transformation into a bar.

The Bees Knees franchise will revamp the former Lloyds TSB site in Lord Street West, Blackburn, into a two-storey sport and music venue.

Cosmetic changes have already begun to the building with the bar creating between 15 and 20 jobs.

The bar will focus on live sport and will sell a variety of lagers, bitters, old ales and cocktails.

MORE TOP STORIES:

There are Bees Knees bars in Rawtenstall, Accrington and Oldham.

Matthew Andrew, the franchise’ area business manager, said he is excited to get the bar up and running.

He said: “We chose Blackburn because we wanted to expand into our local area and Blackburn was our next aim.

“The old bank building in particular was a great place as it is in an ideal location and the building itself is large which can fit lots of people in.

“We hope to be open seven days a week and we want to have one of the biggest screens in Blackburn for all kinds of sport.”

The new bar comes as several establishments have opened up in Blackburn in recent months, including Tiki Monkey in King William Street and Turtle Bay in the Cathedral Quarter.

Mr Andrew said: “We are very excited to get the work underway.

“The total costs are going to be around £250,000.

“The Rawtenstall branch cost around £150,000, so we have put in a lot more money into this one.

“Blackburn needs someone to come along and invest the money to help the resurgence of its nightlife.

“We hope to improve the day time and night time drinking economy.”

The bar is expected to open in the Autumn and will feature live music and quiz nights.

James Newton, Blackburn’s Night Life group lead member, said: “ I want to wish Bees Knees the best of luck for the new bar.

“I want everyone from the young to the old to have a great weekend night out.

“I want to thank everyone for their support for Blackburn’s night life and the other pub owners and club owners who are doing there best making our town illuminated.”