A PROPOSED investment in a canalside area of Blackburn could unlock huge “recreation, leisure and education” opportunities for the town.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has created a partnership with local businessman Graham Vernon, who runs dance and performing arts school DAPA at Eanam Wharf, is to acquire “The Boathouse”, currently owned by the Canals and Rivers Trust.

They propose to transform the building into a visitor centre, with an associated heritage trail and an education suite for school and colleges.

The proposal requires funding from the council for the purchase in exchange for a partnership in running any future leisure and heritage facilities at the site.

The plans to develop the wharf include the council taking a long leasehold on The Boathouse.

A report from the director of planning and prosperity at Blackburn with Darwen Council was issued this week. No details about the costs of the purchase are included in the report.

The report states: “The Eanam Wharf complex comprises a number of connected buildings which include the council’s long lease of Eanam Wharf Business Centre.

“The Canal and Rivers Trust has been openly considering the sale of various property assets which included this complex.

“The boathouse is currently offices which are currently the subject of a short-term tenancy.

“It is proposed that part of the complex will become a visitor centre with uses that will enhance the attractions associated with the canal, heritage trail and education suite.”

The reasons behind the council’s investment are to promote “town centre growth and prosperity and safeguard the heritage of the complex”.

The area was designated as a conservation area in 2013 and the council stated they wished to have a long -term influence over its future.

Graham Vernon, from Eanam Wharf Ltd, said: “We’re currently in talks with the council about these incredibly exciting plans. There is so much potential at Eanam Wharf to attract visitors and promote the area’s wonderful industrial and leisure heritage.”

“We are hoping to cement the plans and reveal more about what we intend to do soon.”

Last month, around about 5,000 people came to the banks of the canal at Eanam Wharf for the fourth Blackburn Canal Festival, which celebrated 200 years of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

At the time, co-founder Kelvin Gudger said that more boats than ever lined up all along the banks and he couldn’t believe the ever-growing success of the event.

Cllr Damian Talbot, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for culture, leisure and young people, told the Lancashire Telegraphsaid: “These plans are set to unlock the potential of the canalside area.”

“The investment will bring back to life some under-utilised buildings and is set attract more people to discover Blackburn.”