DETAILED designs are being developed for the future transformation of Darwen Market into a food-focussed modern retail hub as part of the £100million town deal.

Borough council bosses hope to see the Victorian building transformed into a ‘modern market’.

Such refurbishments have successfully revived similar operations elsewhere in the country.

Blackburn with Darwen Council hopes to submit a planning application for the upgrade later this year.

It is also looking for a development partner to work up other projects in the town centre with a view to having contractors on site early next year.

The work on Darwen's regeneration is progressing after the government released the first slice of its grant towards the Town Deal in January.

Topped up to £100m with contributions from the borough and private investors it will also see the refurbishment of Darwen's Library and Theatre and new town centre living accommodation.

Already the town deal has helped pay for the restoration of Darwen Tower and upgrading the Junction 4 skate park.

Finishing touches are under way to improvements to Darwen FC and Darwen Cricket Club.

Wayne Wild, chair of the Darwen Town Deal Board, said: “In towns similar to Darwen ‘modern markets’ – focused around food - are proving hugely successful and that’s something that we’re looking at here too, but it’s very early days.

“What’s important is we support the town’s fantastic range of independent retailers while providing opportunities for future and new businesses wanting to invest.

“Darwen’s beautiful Carnegie library and theatre could be refurbished and perhaps even extended with opportunities for town centre living too – boosting the vitality of the centre from day through to night.

“We’ve always said that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Darwen and we’re determined to do something that will have a real and lasting impact.”

The town centre is to be better connected to the surrounding countryside with new ‘Destination Darwen’ trails, including improved footpaths, linking to the moors and Jubilee Tower.

Darwen East Liberal Democrat Cllr Paul Browne said: "I don't want a food focussed modern market. But they need to consult the people of the town. I don't want anything forced on us."

Conservative regeneration spokesman Cllr Paul Marrow said: "It is good to see actual progress is being made. We want to see Darwen as a place people will visit and come back to."

Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We want to be a prosperous borough where no-one is left behind.

“Driving that is our £1billion vision for the future, including the Darwen Town Deal - a real catalyst for Darwen. These are exciting times.”