AN environmental project costing £400,000 to turn a hidden corner of Blackburn into a pedestrian paradise has been launched.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has begun work on improving the Fleming Square area.

It is hoped that the area will provide a safe and attractive link for people to walk from Church Street to King Street, both of which are undergoing a transformation in a bid to attract new business to the area.

The Exchange Arcade in Fleming Square has already been restored, and planning permission was granted for the environmental work last month by councillors.

Fleming Square had provided a quick short-cut for people wanting to avoid traffic lights to get from Mincing Lane to Darwen Street, but the new precinct will end that.

The project will see major landscaping, including new planting, high quality seating and paving, lighting and public art. Many of the trees will be retained and pruned.

The parking facilities for shoppers will also be improved and a new boundary wall built. Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said the project had been designed to complement the historic Exchange Arcade buildings.

Owners and tenants of the arcade have been involved in designing key elements of the project and detailed designs will be unveiled shortly.

Coun Kay said: "This is a very important project for the town centre and development of the emerging Cathedral Quarter.

"The proposals will further enhance the magnificent Exchange Arcade as a unique place to shop and as one of the town's most important pieces of architectural heritage. "

Funding for the project has come from Blackburn with Darwen Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, European Regional Development Fund and Single Regeneration Budget through the Councils Townscape Heritage Initiative.

The work is scheduled to be complete by the end of September.