BLACKBURN's new Cinema and leisure complex is set to be the biggest in East Lancashire, it has been revealed.

Work on the area's largest leisure park is due to get under way in August after months of delays and hitches.

Details about the full scale of plans, which include a health club with a swimming pool, have been released for the first time only months after a major company signed contracts to run a 10-screen cinema at the site.

The £16million complex in Blackburn will begin to take shape in the summer, 16 months after planning permission was granted. The project is due to be completed by 2005.

And the news of the leisure complex follows hard on the heels of the announcement of a new "soccerdome" football complex near Fishmoor Reservoir, Haslingden Old Road.

Work on the 166,000 sq ft indoor five-a-side complex could be set to start later in the year, although there was opposition to the scheme from some residents when plans were passed last year.

Andy Kay, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "This scheme has taken a long time and a lot of effort to pull together but we are now about to see the results of all the hard work.

"This area of the town centre has been transformed over the last few years and the completion of the leisure scheme shows our determination to work with our partners to ensure that local people have access to the same facilities as residents in other towns and cities."

Developers Peel Holdings today said the leisure park, which will be sited off Audley Range, will offer a range of facilities from some of the biggest names in the leisure world and bringing hundreds of new jobs to the region.

A 10-screen cinema will be opened by Vue Entertainment, the company which bought-out Warner Village Cinemas.

JJB, the company founded by former Blackburn Rovers defender Dave Whelan, will open the health club with an 18 metre pool, spa pools, steam rooms, solariums, aerobic suites and cafe.

Bowlplex has signed contracts to run a 24-lane bowling alley and a large family restaurant is due to open.

James Whittaker, of Peel Holdings said: "We are delighted to announce these tenants for the site who are bringing a wide range of leisure amenities for the people of Blackburn and beyond."

Last year the 100,000sq ft development was disrupted by a row over a rail freight line. After months of talks between Peel and rail bosses it was agreed to move the line so that work could begin.

As part of the scheme, 80 parking spaces will be made available to improve 'park and ride' facilities for rail passengers using Blackburn railway station and access to these will be via the leisure development.

Tim Richards, chief executive of Vue Entertainment, said: "We are delighted to be in the position of working with Peel Holdings to commence the planning for building a great cinema for the community of Blackburn.

"The cinema auditoriums will have comfortable extra stretch leg room stadium seating, the latest in Dolby Digital Surround Sound and 10 large screens -- ensuring that the cinema experience will be outstanding."