A £4 MILLION scheme to restore some of Darwen's architectural gems has been unveiled -- and is expected to receive approval from heritage bosses within months.

Blackburn with Darwen Council was provisionally offered £1million from the Heritage Lottery Fund last year, and has now laid out how it intends to spend the cash, and how it will match it with other funds.

Up to another £2million will come from housing market renewal money allocated to the borough from Elevate.

The projects will make up the first large-scale developments to be undertaken in Darwen since the formation of a town centre partnership in 2003. It aims to make the town centre more attractive and accessible to both local people and visitors.

Under the plans, large-scale repairs will take place to the town hall, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Central Conservative Club, the tram shelters and memorial, Belgrave Chapel, Burton & Woolworth building, Albert Buildings, houses in the St Peter's area, Foundry Street and 47 Railway Road.

Designs for the proposed use of empty buildings and sites, including the Theatre site in Railway Road, the west side of Market Place and the upper floors of the Co-op Late Shop will also be drawn up, while schemes to improve public areas such as the market square, St Peter's Churchyard and Bridge Street are all planned.

Coun Andy Kay, in charge of regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "One of the strengths of Darwen town centre is the architecture, much of it from the 19th century.

"This project is will enable us to ensure these buildings are repaired, while at the same time providing new facilities for people and improving the public realm.

Coun Dave Hollings, a local ward councillor, added: "This is excellent news. People in Darwen are very proud of what we have and this project will ensure we see the very best of the town.

"Including housing within the scheme also shows that this is a project which will have long-term benefits."

Coun Colin Rigby, leader of the opposition Tory group on the council, said: "This is a very positive move forward. A lot of promises have been made in the past, and it is good to see something being delivered."