COUNCILLORS have praised a new building which will bring 500 jobs to Nelson - but say more work must be done to revitalise the town.

Number One Market Street, which includes a courtyard, shops and new walk-in contact centre, was due to be officially opened today by boxer Amir Khan.

The new building, which is on the former Grand Cinema site, will create 300 new jobs immediately and another 200 in the next few years, but councillors said that Nelson will not turn around overnight.

At the full council meeting Coun Mohammed Iqbal said: "A number of businesses have closed in the town. We will have to work hard to bring the old ones back and to attract new ones.

"New businesses are needed for the 300 new people who will work in the town centre, to sell food to them and other items."

In recent weeks Bon Marche have confirmed the Nelson store will be closing down.

The decline has been attributed to the high rents and lack of trade in the town.

Coun Alan Davies, leader of the council, believes that the opening of Number One Market Street is a new start for the town.

He said: "The building is beautiful. All the comments I have heard have been positive.

"The work in the town centre is what people in the borough and Pendle have wanted for years.

"The bus station is due to be replaced and we are holding a series of events. Nelson is on the up. Hopefully people will come and visit and go round the shops and come back week after week.."

A number of events are being held today as part of N Day' to promote the town. Events start at 11am with Amir Khan unveiling the building at 12pm.

Events include a funfair for children and a balloon race.

The day finishes at 2pm.