EAST Lancashire's latest tourist attraction is set to open on time and amid a flurry of activity, including a visit from one of the country's favourite gardeners.

Homefront star and acclaimed Irish gardening expert Diarmuid Gavin will open the seven-acre, £7million Lancashire Homes and Gardens complex off the A56 at Haslingden on April 12.

The project, on the former Syke Mill site at Road End, has created hundreds of new jobs, including the new management team of general manager Tim Morton, assistant general manager Jon Croft, operations manager Phylip Mullan-Reid and plant area manager Paul Rossington.

On completion, the 120,000sq ft site will be one of the leading attractions of its kind in the UK and contractors are completing a new roundabout to replace the traffic lights at the crossroads created by the A56 sliproad, Blackburn Road and Haslingden Road.

The new junction formed part of the complex's planning application when it was passed by Rossendale Council last year.

A spokesman for Lancashire Homes and Gardens said: "We are aiming to give customers a new experience of homes and garden retailing,."

As well as garden ranges, the split-level development will stock giftware, including crystal and jewellery from around the world.

It has an aquatic area, 450-seat restaurant, clothing area, soft furnishings, textiles, cookware and lighting department.

A product demonstration theatre will allow visitors to see features and benefits of what is new in DIY, homes and gardens.

Managing director Jed Clark said: "All our managers have proven track records of retail management. Their experience will be invaluable."