A FORGOTTEN corner of Blackburn could hold the key to linking the town's historic quarter to its retail heart, it was claimed today.

Plans have been unveiled to revamp the Exchange Arcade, Fleming Square, a hidden part of the town centre between Darwen Street and Mincing Lane.

The Exchange Arcade is currently occupied by Jeff Stone Hairdressers and The Exchange Coffee Company, the firm behind the £200,000 project.

Architects hope that improvements to the arcade will prove to be the catalyst for a transformation of the whole square. The proposals by Lowe Rae Architects show the emphasis is on returning the arcade to its former glory.

Stonework, roof areas and shop fronts will be repaired. Once complete, the arcade is expected to house a number of small, independent shops, with the Exchange Coffee Company and Jeff Stone remaining the main tenants.

Graeme Rae from Lowe Rae Architects said: "This is a wonderful project. The arcade was once a key building in the town centre, and this represents the chance to make it so again.

"The end users that our clients are looking to attract will ensure this area becomes a great place to visit and shop.

"It has come forward now because of the rising level of business and investor confidence in the town centre.

He added: "We are hoping that the other property owners on the square will work with us and the council to improve the overall look of the square.

"We hope environmental improvements will be a possibility, so that the square can play a key role in linking the heritage area around the cathedral to the shopping zone."

The square falls within the council's heritage corridor, which the council wants to regenerate as soon as possible.

The decision to revamp the arcade comes just months after plans were announced to bring the Waterloo Pavilions back to life. The redevelopment of Church Street into a pedestrian precinct is also scheduled for completion next April.

Graham Bugress, the council's executive director for regeneration, said: "This is a further example of the partnership between the council and the private sector which is making Blackburn a place that people want to visit because of its diversity and quality."

Steve Hoyle, acting director for regeneration, said: "All credit to Graeme Rae and his client. They have worked hard with us to produce another quality scheme for the town centre.

"It is about creating an area which shoppers and visitors will enjoy. It will complement the improved Church Street scheme and others in the vicinity."