A BIT of Blackburn's past has been saved -- despite the building around it being knocked down.

Brickwork from Blackburn's Aspden Buildings, demolished to make way for the extension to Barbara Castle Way, has been included in the design of the renovated Exchange Arcade, Fleming Square, Blackburn.

The shopping centre has undergone a £500,000 refit over the last six months to restore it to its former Georgian glory. Work is now complete on phase one of the restoration.

All original aspects have been improved and the original roofline has been restored. The building's west elevation stone faade has been restored and new windows fitted to blend in with original ones.

The project is the first for Blackburn with Darwen Council's recently launched Blackburn Town Centre Townscape Heritage Initiative which provides up to 75 per cent grant funding towards regeneration projects or property improvements -- as well as improvements to public spaces -- in the Church Street and King Street areas.

The initiative aims to improve and reuse of many of Blackburn's heritage buildings. Spokesman Mark Smith said: "I'm very pleased with the restoration. This project should create a superb area for quality shopping. The public and prospective tenants have shown a lot of interest in the history and are pleased with our attitude to the renovation -- keeping and improving our town's heritage.

"This couldn't have happened without the Townscape Heritage Initiative. My advice to others considering their own projects is to give it a go."

Graham Burgess, executive director for regeneration and technical at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "It is wonderful. Blackburn THI is starting to make a real difference to the town centre, by working in partnership with the private sector. I hope many more similar schemes come forward."

Work has now started on phase two and the building is expected to be complete by June. It will house a number of small businesses, including Jeff Stone Hairdressing.