THE first phase of a multimillion pound shopping and leisure complex is set to open in March, bringing with it the start of a jobs bonanza for Blackburn.

Council bosses say the redevelopment of the old steelworks in Lower Audley running to schedule.

Peel Holdings, who also own the Trafford Centre and Blackburn's Ice Arena, have assembled a 10-acre site stretching from the rear of Blackburn Railway Station to Lower Audley.

Blackburn with Darwen Council agreed to sell land to the developers when it was satisfied with the project.

The first phase of the development is the shopping section with low-price retail membership chain Matalan and stationery giant Staples both confirmed as tenants.

Phase two, a larger area of the site, will be marketed for leisure use, with possibilities including a bowling alley, multiplex cinema or health and leisure club.

The developments are all expected to create around 300 jobs and the project will cost £18million.

The foundations and steel supports for the shops are now in place and regeneration bosses at the council today revealed they were on target for opening in March next year.

Graham Burgess, executive director for regeneration and technical, said: "Phase one of the construction is bang on schedule and Matalan and Staples are due to open next March.

"We are currently working with Peel to bring forward plans for the second phase of the development and some progress has already been made to achieve this.

"We regard this progress as a direct result of our town centre action plan to regenerate the town centre."

When the project was launched in the summer, it was described as an integral part of the Town Centre Action Plan.

When Peel announced the project, the firm's Adam Higgins said: "We think it will complement the Peel retail park."