A BUILDING firm behind some of Blackburn's most prominent developments has confirmed the appointment of a new director.

James Scott, formerly of Leeds-based firm Muse, will now be joining Maple Grove Developments, the construction arm of Lancashire construction giants the Eric Wright Group.

This comes as Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council confirms its purchase of the former Thwaites site on Penny Street, ahead of plans for a multimillion pound redevelopment in partnership with the firm.

Mr Scott said: "Maple Grove is a highly responsible developer with very similar values to Muse.

"From a social value perspective, I’ve always admired the authenticity of Eric Wright Group as being wholly owned by a charitable trust and I look forward to working on the new development projects coming through the pipeline and, leaning on my experience, increasing Maple Grove’s presence in the North West and Yorkshire."

One of Mr Scott's biggest tasks will be the Thwaites brewery project, with Blackburn with Darwen Council deputy leader Cllr Phil Riley confirming the purchase.

He said: “The Council completed the purchase of the former Thwaites Brewery site in May, as part of a joint venture with Maple Grove.

"Further updates regarding site proposals will be reported as the project moves forward.”

The council first announced plans to buy the site and to redevelop it in partnership with Maple Grove earlier this year.

However, the exact nature of these plans have yet to be confirmed.

Mr Scott's other tasks will include redevelopment of Lancashire Central with the County Council.

Maple Grove managing director Karen Hirst said: “We pride ourselves on the long-term partnerships we have developed across the public and private sectors.

"James has extensive experience in delivering major schemes and, in particular, in leading on multi-phased logistics schemes, which will be of great value as we bring forward projects such as Lancashire Central.”