Leisure scheme to revamp Blackburn

Peel Holdings are behind plans for £15m leisure scheme to help regenerate Blackburn town centre.

The company, with assets valued at £1,700m including Blackburn Ice Arena, the Trafford Centre and John Lennon Airport, has submitted a detailed planning application for a leisure development on the Lower Audley site on the edge of the town centre.

The plans for the 100,000sq ft site include Blackburn's first 24-lane bowling alley and family entertainment centre and a 10-screen cinema - the only multiplex for over 10 miles. The scheme also promises a health & fitness centre with an 18m pool, spa, steamroom, solarium and café, and a fast food restaurant.

'There's a hole in the market and the moment as Blackburn loses out to the likes of Preston and Bury. Our plans for the leisure scheme meet the needs of the local people and are very much in keeping with the council's Town Centre Strategy,' said development manager at Peel, James Whittaker.

The company hopes to receive planning permission in the next few months. Details: +44 (0)161 629 8200