The next part of the regeneration scheme is set to be given the green light by Blackburn with Darwin Borough Council and will include a hotel, restaurants, shops, new bus interchange, a Clergy Court and new offices.

Eric Wright Construction, Maple Grove’s sister company, will build the Cathedral Quarter project, which forms the last piece of a £66m scheme to transform Blackburn town centre.

Developer Maple Grove is in a partnership with the council, Blackburn Cathedral, the Homes and Communities Agency which have secured the full funding package.

The first phase of the Cathedral Quarter development is almost complete – the new Blackburn Youth Zone is due to open in the New Year.

A planning application for the remainder of the development is due to be submitted this month and it will be completed in March 2014. The proposals include a hotel with 60 bedrooms, 30,000 square foot office space and a new public square.

The proposed Clergy Court includes 11 apartments and houses including a library, diocesan offices and refectory.

The new bus station on Railway Road will include further stops as well as bus facilities on Ainsworth and Penny Street.

Councillor Dave Harling, Executive Member for Regeneration said: “The development is part of an ambitious 15 year plan which has already seen the regeneration of Blackburn town centre.

“Despite the cuts, the council and its partners have worked hard to ensure that this scheme still goes ahead and it will be something we can all be proud of.”

Andrew Dewhurst of Maple Grove Developments said: “We are progressing the design work for the office and hotel buildings as well as the new public square. We will be sharing our plans with the public before lodging a planning application with the council.”