UP to 250 jobs are to be created after a property tycoon announced plans to build a £2million business park.

Trevor Hemmings, owner of Northern Trust, is building a 46,000sq ft office and workshop development on the Shadsworth Business Park estate, just off junction five of the M65 in Blackburn.

Building work has started on the project, which is hoped will attract a host of major national firms.

Northern Trust acquired the three acre site from Blackburn with Darwen Council following the success of its development known as Number One @ The Beehive which is adjacent to the new development.

The new scheme will see 16 industrial and workshop units cover 21,825 sq ft and six semi-detached units ranging from 3,300 to 4,100sq ft built.

The six units will be a hybrid of office and workshop space.

Mike Grindrod from Northern Trust said: "On the back of our lettings success at the Beehive office centre, we acquired the adjoining site from the local authority to develop a range of quality workshops and hybrid office/workspace units.

"We are confident the development will prove a huge success providing a boost to the local economy by attracting regional and national operators."

Building work is due to be completed in December and when finished the units will be aimed at small and medium sized businesses.

Chorley-based Northern Trust has a property portfolio which covers more than 2,000 acres of land throughout the north of England and the Midlands.

Mr Hemmings, started off as a bricklaying apprentice in Leyland before starting his own business with just £12.

The 72-year-old, known as a gaming and leisure tycoon, is the owner of Blackpool Tower and is one of Lancashire's richest men.

He recently topped a rich list of the counties business leaders who built their fortunes on a vocational background or apprenticeship.

Mr Hemmings was placed fifth nationally in the 2007 City and Guilds Vocational Rich List with an estimated wealth of £980million.