A FLAGSHIP new office development has taken root!

A tree planting ceremony at Mentor Systems headquarters in the town was held to mark the 50th anniversary of property developers Allen Commercial Developments' parent group.

The firm has recently completed the new offices for Mentor Systems fronting Barbara Castle Way.

Mentor was already based in Blackburn but had considered relocation due to a lack of quality open plan office space until Allen stepped in.

The firm bought the former Market Site from the council and secured funding through the Blackburn City Challenge scheme for the redevelopment, which will house Mentor's 80 employees.

"The development is of strategic importance in stimulating private sector initiatives and safeguarding local employment," said Janet Bradbury, chief executive of Blackburn City Challenge.

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