TWO new family restaurants and a bulky goods store are to open next to Blackburn's ice arena, creating about 150 jobs.

National chains Frankie & Benny's and Chiquito are to open in Lower Audley Street by December after Peel Holdings, which owns the site, agreed a deal.

Bosses at Peel said a deal was yet to be reached with a store for the space above the two restaurants, which will face into Grimshaw Retail Park.

James Whittaker, development manager at Peel, estimated each of the three units would create about 50 jobs, and the two restaurants would bring in much-needed night time trade to the area.

The development will also open up pedestrian access alongside the ice arena between Grimshaw Retail Park, off Park Road and Peel Leisure and Retail Park, off Lower Audley Street.

Building work started a couple of weeks ago and Mr Whittaker said the plan was for the restaurants to start trading before Christmas and New Year.

Mr Whittaker added: "We believe this additional family element will attract a huge night time trade into Blackburn which currently doesn't exist."

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, added: "This is one more piece in the successful jigsaw of our masterplan to encourage people to Blackburn as a centre for leisure as well as retail and employment."