HUNDREDS of 'high tech' jobs could be created in Blackburn under plans to turn a former mill into office and industrial units.

A Rossendale property developer has already started work to rejuvenate Hole House Mill, Kenyon Street, in a multi-million pound scheme that could bring between 300 and 500 jobs.

Blackburn with Darwen Council today welcomed the development, part of wider plans by the authority to regenerate the entire area over several years.

Bosses hope it will attract more highly-paid, service sector and technology jobs to the borough and up to 1,000 jobs could be created over a four-year period with the revamp project, they said.

They want the development to attract high-tech businesses similar to those on Blackburn's Greenbank Technology Park.

Plans for the wider area are at an early stage and have not yet been revealed but could include new housing and roads network.

The work on Hole House Mill is being done by Rossendale's B&E Boys, who bought the building for £1.5million with help from chartered accountants and business advisers Pierce.

Peter Boys, a director for B&E Boys, said: "The redevelopment of Kenyon Street is a multi-million pound project that will regenerate the area and give Blackburn something to be proud of.

"We are hoping to regenerate it in the short term to offer affordable units for small and medium-sized businesses, offering both industrial and office space.

"The whole area is earmarked for regeneration and we are working closely with Blackburn with Darwen Council to produce a scheme that works for Blackburn as well as ourselves.

This area is a major gateway into town and is close to the M65 but it is long overdue for development. We are confident the forecasts we have made for job creation can be met."

Andy Kay, council executive member for regeneration, said: "These are the type of jobs we have been trying to encourage in the borough.

"The economy of the borough is doing very well and this is another positive sign of growth."

Prior to Boys acquiring the 5.6-acre site two months ago, the mill was used by a shot-blasting firm.

Construction workers made the building secure and Boys have been creating units for shot-term let, while detailed long-term plans are drawn up. The Kenyon Street site will be divided into 1,000 to 39,500 sq ft units.

B&E Boys employs more than 100 staff and has over 40 years' experience in construction, specialising in housing markets throughout the North West.