BUSINESS chiefs have revealed that 200 jobs are set to be created when a £3million office complex in Bacup is completed.

Work on the 30,000 square foot development is to start in July and is to be completed before the end of April next year.

Kingfisher at Futures Park, the former Gaskell's carpet factory, off Newchurch Road, will provide space for 50 businesses.

The complex will be managed by Rossendale-based Kingfisher Business Centres Ltd who already own and manage a similar venture in Rawtenstall.

Martin Kemp, Kingfisher joint managing director, said: "We hope that the development will attract around 200 good quality jobs for Bacup. We haven't started marketing it yet but it has already created a lot of interest."

John Calway, fellow managing director, said: "Kingfisher Centre has been full since it opened three years ago. We provide fast growing businesses with the office space they need on flexible inclusive terms.

"Our professional management team take care of all the premises problems for them.

"This project is a great opportunity to apply what we have learned over the last three successful years and make the new centre even better than the first. In particular we will be making sure broadband internet access will be on offer to all our tenants."

Rossendale Council deputy leader David Hancock said: "The exciting new project is a major commitment to enterprise in the Bacup and Stacksteads community.

"We are very grateful to the North West Development Agency, European Regional Development Fund, Bacup and Stacksteads Single Regeneration Budget for providing the necessary funding.

"This is the first major development on the 12 acre Futures Park site and we are optimistic we can attract more high quality developments of this type on the four other available plots."

Business Link East Lancashire are closely involved in the project. Marketing and development manager Rob Carder, who lives in Stacksteads, added: "Business support services in Rossendale have lagged behind what is available in other parts of East Lancashire for far too long. Step change is needed to boost the economy and encourage regeneration in Bacup and Stacksteads. This Centre will be the heart of the comprehensive and integrated network of services that we are developing in the Valley."