LUXURY flats and offices could be built in Blackburn's old police station as developers aim to make it the town's most sought-after residence.

Rossendale-based developer Hurstwood has confirmed it is in talks with Blackburn with Darwen Council over plans for the upper floors of the old building, in Northgate, to be turned into 'high quality' homes.

Using the lower floors for leisure and/or offices is also a possibility.

The station was vacated by the police in 2003 when they moved to a new out-of-town HQ at Greenbank.

Hurstwood bought the building last summer and has been working on development plans.

The council's preferred use for the building is as a hotel.

But that is only likely to become possible once Blackburn Magistrates' Court has relocated from part of the building to a new, purpose-built site at Barbara Castle Way within the next five years.

Hurstwood could begin developing flats in part of the police station building before that -- and they would overlook the the Northgate Town Square the council is planning to create when it pedestrianises the street next year.

A spokesman for Hurstwood said: "At this moment in time it is far too early to discuss anything specific in detail. We are looking at a number of exciting possibilities for the building.

"These ideas revolve around potential mixed use schemes. It is likely that these would involve elements of leisure, business, in the shape of offices, and possibly some high quality residential units.

"It is unlikely that we would consider a residential-only scheme. If there is to be some residential there at all, it would constitute a small element of a mixed use scheme."

"We have been working closely with Blackburn with Darwen Council throughout the recent months as we develop our proposals."

Coun Andy Kay, in charge of regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: ""I haven't seen any detailed plans but they are very keen to promote it and I can't see we would have any serious objections.

"A mixed use scheme would increase footfall on the street, helping it become a vibrant place again. It would be excellent as an area leading to our new public realm at Sudell Cross."

The Hurstwood Group, a winner at this year's Evening Telegraph Business Awards, is also involved in the regeneration of a number of listed buildings in the region including Holly Mount House in Rossendale, and the Weavers Triangle, Burnley.