EAST LANCASHIRE'S famous king of wallpaper', John Wilman, is back in business.

For the man who once employed 1,000 people has signed the tenancy for an historic building at the heart of Blackburn's flagship Church Street regeneration which has been vacant for two years.

Mr Wilman will open an interior design studio in the third Waterloo Pavilion towards the end of the summer.

Today the announcement was welcomed by the town's business community, and council bosses said securing John Wilman Studio as a tenant proved right their decision to hold out for a quality retailer.

It comes just six weeks after it was warned that the building could be empty for another two years.

Mr Wilman, who was behind the Coloroll wallpaper brand in the 1980s and 90s, has returned to the industry after six year absence.

A couple of months ago he started operating again from a warehouse in Waverledge Road, Great Harwood.

Mr Wilman, who lives in Whalley, said: "We were not getting much traffic past the warehouse.

"When I saw the pavilion I though it was fantastic.

"What they have done to Church Street is beautiful."

He said he was planning to fill the building with unique pieces of furniture and fittings that cannot be easily bought else here.

He also plans to offer a full interior design service with the assistance of top designers from the area, but said he could not reveal who at this time.

"I hope that people will come and see it. I think we will have unique things that are smart and classy, not untouchable, but with a designer look about them," he said.

At the moment his business specialises in hand-carved fireplaces, luxurious bath/spas, and combined steam room and showers.

But before the studio can open a staircase has to be fitted inside, and a new front entrance has to be made, which is estimated could take up to 12 weeks.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "This reinforces our decision to hold out for a quality tenant for the third pavilion.

"Blackburn's regeneration is now moving a pace and this is important building block."

The three pavilions had stood derelict for more than 20 years before a £1.3million project to restore the Grade II-listed Georgian buildings in 2004.

Finding businesses to occupy the buildings was difficult and it took more than a year before the first pavilion was filled.

Alan Rene Hair and Beauty Salon and Cafe Beees(CORR) operate in two of the buildings and the third building has been used for art exhibitions while a tenant was found.

Phil Ainsworth, chairman of the town centre marketing group, said: "I am delighted. It's something different, and it has proved that holding out was the right thing to do.

"In my personal view this is something good for the town, it will bring in variety which can only be good for the Blackburn and good for Church Street."

Jeff Stone, a hairdresser based at Fleming Square, added: "Let's hope the wait for such a prestigious tenant bears fruit and Church Street at last begins to prosper."