PLANS to attract restaurants, a hotel, offices and industrial buildings to the outskirts of Blackburn have been announced.

Bosses behind the venture, off Haslingden Road, believe the scheme could create 1,000 jobs and cost £50million.

The project, called ‘Waterside’, would see two sites either side of the DW Fitness Centre developed.

The joint venture, between Conlon Construction and United Utilities, which owns the land, is to be marketed to potential tenants in the coming months.

Jim Burrow, Conlon Construction director, said: “Without a doubt, this site offers the best development opportunity in the area, boasting excellent access to the whole of East Lancashire.

“We are very excited to be able to offer a site of such regional strategic importance for development and are looking forward to realising its potential.”

He said that current plans would see the smaller of the sites, at 3.5 acres, feature a range of facilities including offices, a hotel, restaurants and a nursery.

The larger site, of 11.5 acres, was designated for the development of manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.

Steven Szostak, from Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, said: “It’s great to see continued investment in this key area.

“There is no doubt Haslingden Road continues to be at the top of our inquiry list when firms are looking to expand.”