AN empty office block in Blackburn town centre is about to undergo a £2.5 million transformation.

The building in Ainsworth Street has been vacant for a number of years but is about to be given a new lease of life by a property company.

St John's Court, which is close to the junction with Barbara Castle Way, will be refurbished to provide the town with 2,682 square metres of new office space. A modern glazed front entrance will also be added to give the structure a modern look.

The four storey structure has been used by an insurance company and the ground floor was a carpets showroom. The North West Area Housing Office moved out in March 2001.

Blackburn with Darwen Council said the work will help to improve the surrounding area, which includes Blackburn's indoor markets.

The council has contributed £200,000 to the work and believes the decision taken by a private company to target the town centre is an indicator of Blackburn's ability to attract investment.

Alpha Development, a development and real estate company based in Bolton, is investing the bulk of the money being spent on the building.

A spokesman for Alpha said: "St John's Court is ideally located with all town centre amenities within a short walking distance. Furthermore, the bus and rail terminus are both within close proximity.

"Blackburn is the regional capital of East Lancashire with a catchment population in excess of one million within a 12 mile radius and a third of the UK population within a two hour drive."

Blackburn Chamber of Trade said it hoped the work would bring more people into the town centre. Chairman Raymond Goldsmith said: "It is a good idea which should bring more people into the town, which is what we are short of at the moment."

Councillor Andy Kay, Executive Member for Regeneration said: "The refurbishment of another prominent town centre building by a private company is a great boost for Blackburn and evidence of the growing confidence in the towns prosperous future."