WORK on the transformation of Blackburn's Waterloo Pavilions from rundown eyesores into a jewel in the town's regeneration crown is nearing completion.

Workers are continuing to put the finishing touches to the three landmark buildings, on Church Street.

The glass links, which effectively turn the three buildings into one, have been installed.

Now the hunt is on for the tenant to occupy the building - with Blackburn with Darwen Council insisting that several kinds of business, ranging from restaurants to shops, are interested in moving in.

But there are fears that the impact of the project could be limited after shopping centre bosses unveiled new plans for the Church Street side of their complex.

London -based shopping centre owner Reit Asset Management is planning a multi-million pound revamp of Lord Square, but doesn't plan to include any shop front on Church Street, prompting fears all the regeneration work in the area could be rendered a 'white elephant'.

However, council bosses remain confident they will be able to strike a deal with London-based Reit and find a high-quality firm for the Pavilions.

Work on the Pavilions finally began last spring after standing empty and crumbling for more than a decade.

Initially, Blackburn Cathedral had wanted to undertake the development, but could not get enough money to fund the project.

Blackburn with Darwen Council took over in September 2002 and secured the £1.3million needed to pay for the revamp. It is hoped the completed Pavilions will kick-start interest in the other empty buildings on Church Street, itself subject of a £2.5million facelift.