WORK on the new £4million Shadsworth Hub has started with the area set for a major facelift.

The old community centre on Rothesay Road has been demolished and will be replaced by a new Community Hub and Enterprise Centre with five shops on the ground floor and community facilities above.

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There will also be 20 new homes built, which will be made available for affordable rent, on Rothesay Road and Ballantrae Road.

Twin Valley Homes, a member of the Together Housing Group, along with Keepmoat and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, are working together to provide new housing and business opportunities . The whole project is expected to be ready by the beginning of 2017.

Kevin Ruth, Together Housing Group Deputy Chief Executive, said the Shadsworth Hub would provide a wealth of new opportunities in Shadsworth.

He said: “This project is a major boost for Shadsworth. The new businesses will create employment opportunities and help to improve the local economy.

“The new community hub will give people access to services and advice to help them realise the potential, and the new homes will give more families access to quality, affordable housing on one of our most popular estates. The plans look fantastic and we all look forward to seeing it take shape.”