DISCUSSIONS are set to begin with 15 firms interested in opening inside Blackburn's run-down Pavilions.

Regeneration officers have revealed that the first phase of marketing the three Georgian buildings has prompted widespread interest from retail and leisure firms.

The council is planning to grab up to £2million of grant money to restore the three buildings into Blackburn town centre's flagship project.

It is hoped this would kick-start the regeneration of the now-pedestrianised Church Street.

The money will be used to restore the Grade II listed buildings and build two glass shells which would effectively turn the three units into one long one.

Clare Turner, Blackburn with Darwen Council marketing and tourism manager said: "We have advertised it and had 15 expressions of interest.

"We are confident that it will go on to be a successful development."

Steve Hoyle, assistant director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods, said: "We hope work will be completed around September next year.

"The reaction we have had since advertising the project has been very positive and both retail and leisure interests have been suggested."

The council's plan is modelled closely on the original ideas drawn up by Blackburn Cathedral, which was offered the buildings by the council for just £45,000 in 2001.

But when costs for the project rose from £1million to £2million because of structural problems and the cathedral began to struggle to gain grants, the council took control of the project.

Costs soared when detailed investigations into the structural state of the buildings proved they were weaker than first thought.

Northcote Manor chef Nigel Haworth has also pulled out, leaving the council to find a new tenant. He was working in partnership with the council but complained they had not kept him informed about its progress and advertised for firms willing to run the pavilions without his knowledge.

He had planned to create a new concept restaurant/bar inside the new building, which he said would have added a new dimension to the town's nightlife.

The new tenant will be expected to provide the fixtures and fittings inside the unit.