AN AMBITIOUS businessman is hoping to live life in the fast lane with plans to turn a Radcliffe eyesore into a £1M leisure complex.

Entrepreneur David Jackson (39) wants to transform a disused mill in Water Street into a state-of-the-art indoor karting track.

The 56,000 square foot former paper mill, which has been empty for the last couple of years, will have to undergo a complete refurbishment.

When finished, however, it will incorporate an impressive laser quest facility, a relaxing games area and high quality restaurant.

Mr Jackson says the exciting venture, named C.A.T 1 Karting, will appeal to all ages and as well as being open to the general public it will cater for corporate functions, aiming to provide a full day of entertainment.

The new leisure complex will also create 40 jobs for local people. He said: "We aim to employ only local people and there will be around 40 full and part time jobs available, ranging from reception staff, sales, marshals and maintenance staff."

He added: "We are getting rid of an eyesore and creating something that both I and Radcliffe can be proud of."

The property owner said that a main attraction of the complex will be its convenient location.

Mr Jackson said: "The karting track will be unrivalled. It will be the only complete entertainment centre in the UK that is situated on a main street and not tucked away on an industrial estate."

There will be 30 on-site parking spaces and a further 60 spaces available on an adjacent car park.

The owner is awaiting permission from the council to change the use of the building from textile to leisure but hopes to have the project completed within three months.

Mr Jackson added: "I have spoke to the council and they seem keen to encourage more investment to the area. Local residents have also been consulted and have responded positively. We should be up-and-running in time for summer."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.