A HIGH-CLASS shopping development is being planned for Blackburn -- by one of the area's most flamboyant pub bosses.

Margo Grimshaw, who owns a string of pubs and clubs, plans to renovate the first floor of her Castle venue in Market Street, Blackburn, and create 10 boutique-style shops.

The units, which will be accessible via a balcony, will overlook Fleming Square, currently being restored to its former glory by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

More than £200,000 is being spent on the area's Exchange Arcade, while environmental improvements are expected to create a pedestrian-friendly, continental-style shopping area.

Like the Exchange Arcade, Margo's project -- which will involve restoring part of the town's old cloth hall -- will be aimed at quality outlets.

She said: "I got the idea from places like York and Brighton where they have little quality areas called The Lanes.

"They are full of small boutiques run by sole traders.

"These days, people can get in a car and drive to Warrington to a massive Marks and Spencer, so why should they bother with Blackburn?

"I want to create something special and different in Blackburn and, at the same time, give small businesses the chance to prosper."

The planning application was submitted to the council this week. It states that a pizza takeaway currently accessed via Fleming Square will be moved so it looks out on to Market Street, where several of Margo's pubs and clubs are based, including Never Never Land and Bailiff's.

Under the scheme, the whole building will be transformed, cladded with pergolas and ivy allowed to grow across it.

Space on Fleming Square will also be covered by a retractable roof, so people can sit and dine outdoors.

Margo added: "I am hoping we will be allowed to pedestrianise Market Street as well. We encourage people to visit several of our pubs along the street and I want them to feel safe crossing at night. I am very excited about the project."

Jeff Stone runs a hairdressers inside the Exchange Arcade.

He said: "I fully support Margo's plans. They are really something and should work very well to complement everything else going on around here."

Fleming Square falls within Church Street heritage corridor. Buildings can only be altered if it does not affect their character.

Coun Ashley Whalley, executive member for regeneration, said: "The application will be considered as part of the due processes of council procedure but, as a principle, I would welcome further investment in Fleming Square and try to encourage it to be undertaken at the same high level as that being currently completed"

The Exchange Arcade dates back to the 1740s and is believed to have been Blackburn's first shopping arcade.