A council leader says it is pleasing that local entrepreneurs and businesses are supporting the town.

His comments came as it was announced, that department store TJ Hughes is set to take up the former Debenhams store in Blackburn town centre.

The Adhan Group’s retail arm – the IM Group which is based out of Manchester - said the new TJ Hughes will open after Christmas.

The store will take over the ground floor of the large unit which had been used by the Jobcentre.

The Mall will also see a new women’s fashion store - Bonmarché - open in the coming month.

The Adhan Group of Companies, which is headquartered in Blackburn, is one of the one of the biggest commercial and industrial lettings and sales companies in the region. The Mall Blackburn was bought by the company in a deal worth £40m in 2022.

Council leader Phil Riley said: “It is a large unit and it is a good thing that a new tenant has been found which will attract customers from across the borough and surrounding towns.

“It is also pleasing to have local businessmen taking a keen interest in improving their town centre.

“Both the former Debenhams and Wilko spots have been filled relatively quickly which is very positive and a boost for the area.”

There had been a huge interest in who would take over the spot vacated by DebenhamsTJ Hughes used to be located off Church Street for many years but closed to make way for the development of The Mall and Blackburn Market.

Historic retailer Debenhams announced it would close in 2020 with the Blackburn branch shutting in May 2021.

The team from Body Tech Fitness have been on site in BlackburnThis week, Body Tech Fitness announced it will take up the spot of the former DW Sports Gym next to Vue Cinemas at Peel Leisure and Retail Park.

The unit has been empty for a number of years since the old gym closed.

The company also has locations in Ellesmere Port and Winsford and is set to open the Blackburn gym on February 1.

Body Tech Fitness is run by entrepreneurs who have links to Blackburn and said they were re-investing in the area and back into the community.

Co-owner Nicholas Whitcombe said: “We are excited to be opening our doors in Blackburn in what will become Lancashire’s largest independent gym.

“We have always seen it as more than just a fitness space and are committed to supporting the health and well-being of our members and creating opportunities for local personal trainers by allowing them to coach for free.

“The aim is to be build a healthier community by making fitness accessible to all.”

Commenting on the new gym, Cllr Riley said: “If it offers more opportunities for people to stay fit and healthy then that can only be a good thing for the borough.”