PLANS to build a state-of-the-art office complex for the firm which has pledged to bring 500 new jobs to Blackburn have been unveiled.

Cardiff-based Atlantic Property Services has submitted a planning application for the five- and six-storey building, to be called the Capita Business Centre.

Capita last year struck up a public-private partnership scheme which saw council bosses hand over many of their administrative services to the private sector as part of a 15-year £205 million deal.

They pledged to bring 500 new jobs to the borough. With some 330 already confirmed, the firm is on course to meet its target and needs the new building to house many of them.

The planning application for the office accommodation which is between four and six storeys in height has been submitted for land between Preston New Road, Simmons Street and Alma Street. Empty houses currently stand in the area.

If constructed as the plans suggest, the building would feature glass walls and colour-rendered cladding.

Parts of the £5 million building would be three storeys higher than neighbouring buildings.

The plans will be considered by Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning and highways committee.

When Capita took over the council's administrative work, it announced plans to locate a business centre in Blackburn and create 500 jobs in the first five years of business.

The Capita Group recently announced it had won a contract from the BBC to administer the TV licence fees.

This and other work - including work for banks and the Government - has led to the creation of a number of posts and now the group is predicting up to 302 new posts created by the end of this year.

Peter James, managing director of Atlantic Property Service, which is buying up the land needed for the scheme, said: "As a company we are keen to invest in Blackburn town centre.

"We have worked closely with the planning officers, taking their guidance on development issues before submitting this application.

"At this stage this is just a planning application and we would not want to pre-empt any decision that the committee may make."

Coun Bill Taylor, leader of the council, said the construction of the Barbara Castle Way extension would open up this area and revitalise the town centre, making it attractive to new investors.

He said that planning permission was a matter for the committee, which would be guided by the relevant regulations.

But he added: "If planning permission is obtained, this would be excellent for Blackburn with Darwen.

Capita will create 320 jobs by the end of the year and is well on its way to 500 new posts in the first five years.

"This previously under-utilised area of town will be totally revitalised and brought up to date with this 21st-century development, should it go ahead."