A £5MILLION state-of- the-art office complex has been opened in Blackburn by Capita, the private company brought in to run a range of council services.
And at the official ceremony to mark the occasion, Capita chairman Rod Aldridge revealed that a second business centre could be built on the site at CastleWay House, off Barbara Castle Way.
He said talks would be held on Monday with developers about the project which could bring a further 500 white collar jobs to Blackburn.
Two potential tenants have already been identified and Mr Aldridge said Blackburn was high on Capita's list for further expansion.
CastleWay House now accommodates more than 500 Capita staff, working on both council services and other regional and national contracts.
Blackburn with Darwen council leader Sir Bill Taylor described the new complex as a "landmark" for the borough.
"The opening marks a significant moment in our cultural history and in our economic and social regeneration," he said.
"Everything about CastleWay House speaks of a dynamic present and future, from its design to the new style of delivering services to our citizens."
Mr Aldridge said Capita's partnership with the council had now created 720 new jobs in Blackburn and Darwen and had reduced the cost of delivering council services.
"Our strategic partnership with the council is founded on the drive to make a difference to individuals in Blackburn with Darwen and to the wider North West community as a whole," he said.
Capita was awarded a 15-year contract in 2001 - worth a total of £205 million - to provide a range of council support services.
From its offices at India Mills in Darwen, the company also works for BBC TV licensing and the Criminal Record Bureau.
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