DEVELOPMENT at three business centres is set to bring hundreds of new jobs to the Leigh area.

Council regeneration bosses have agreed grant aid for a series of five major property developments including Stone Cross Park, Golborne, Leigh Commerce Park and Atherton Business Centre.

They represent a £9m boost to the economy by private firms and will be supported by a further £3m of public sector investment.

At Stone Cross, Maple Grove developments are to build a 18,500 sq metre technology centre, while Leigh Commerce Park will see the construction of a flagship office development and industrial unit for Orford Estates.

At Atherton the QS Fashions Group will start the second phase of work to complete the renovation of Ena Mill by upgrading lifts and improving car parking and servicing.

Cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr David Molyneux said: "The schemes provide opportunities for new jobs in the manufacturing and high technology sectors and will help the long term economic prospects of the borough."