THIS is the first glimpse of what Blackburn's new shopping development will look like complete with bronze sculpture.

Work is expected to begin on the replacement for Lord Square later this year, after planning permission was granted in February, and it is due to be ready by June 2008.

Up to 11 new shops could face out on to Church Street, with the elevation facing on to the cobbled street being dominated by a bronze sculpture.

In planning documents sent to Blackburn with Darwen Council, designers at The Mall state they intend to create a frieze' of art along the Church Street side of the building.

A spokesman said: "We want to create a building which makes an impact.

"It is our contribution to public art in the town."

Coun Andy Kay, in charge of regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "This development will complete our work on Church Street.

"It was very important that we gained a landmark building from what we had already."

Richard Prest, from Blackburn Civic Society, said the group was impressed' with the artwork planned for Church Street.

The £40million development will replace the existing Lord Square, which the Lancashire Evening Telegraph has campaigned to be knocked down since 2002.

Demolition contractors will move on to the site in September and clear away buildings on a square of land which runs from the edge of Debenhams to Ainsworth Street on the Church Street side, and to the the Textile Warehouse shop on the Ainsworth Street side.

In place of those buildings, a three and four storey complex, all covered, will be built, along with new parking on the top floor.

Around 40 shops will be created inside, but existing department store TJ Hughes is not expected to be among the new stores inside the building.

Its store will probably be replaced by the relocating Blackburn Market.

Development work will not begin until a decision is made about the future of the centre's clock tower in King William Street.

The Mall intends to replace it with a new glass staircase to the multi-level car park above, but the council's planning permission included a condition that The Mall must come up with a replacement tower.