A DERELICT historic building in Darwen has been revitalised creating at least nine new jobs.

The three-storey stone building, at 3 to 7 Bridge Street, has been used by numerous businesses since it was constructed in the last half of the 18th century but many people remember it for its almost derelict appearance in recent years.

The building has fallen into disrepair over the past 70 years, but after 12 months of hard work by the Melia family, who have a large commercial interest in Darwen, it has been completely refurbished and all the units have been leased.

Melbro Properties, which is run by Pat Melia and her three sons, has been using the downstairs offices but now the first and second floor are also back in use.

Twin Valleys has taken a large unit for its Darwen base and an additional seven small companies have taken over the remainder.

Melbro has managed the refurbishment from start to finish and is now one of only two companies in the North West to have gained ISO 9000, an international quality standard for commercial property management.

The Melias are keen to promote the refurbishment as an early win for the new Darwen Town Centre Strategy, bringing the upper floors of a heritage building back to life.

Tony Melia, a member of the town centre partnership, said: "It's been a long hard slog with a lot of hard work but it is finally done. This not only brings more jobs to Darwen but it also reuses a building which has been out of use for around 70 years.

"The building was a complete wreck when we started working on it. The next phase will be to update the shop frontage, which we hope will start within the next couple of months."

The building, which it is thought was originally an haberdashery, has been used for various businesses, including a toy shop and video shop.

Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "This successful scheme shows how the benefits of working in partnership with local businesses can have a real impact on the regeneration of Darwen Town Centre. It is a boost to the town centre economy."

Coun Karimeh Foster said: "I have supported this from the beginning. I told Tony that the council could help him and that there was money available."

The Melias received a grant of almost £10,000 towards external works on the upper floors.