A £6.5MILLION sports village could be created in Blackburn, it has been announced.

Investment for the proposed £2million complex in Witton Park is set to treble as Blackburn with Darwen Council bosses are trying to secure additional funding to expand the scheme.

If successful, the country park will have a state-of-the-art covered spectator area as well an athletics track, changing rooms, offices and a club room.

It will be the first in the county with a grandstand and will provide the area with one of the most up-to-date outdoor facilities.

A team of designers will be put together to draw up the proposal for the scheme if the expansion plans are approved at the executive board meeting in Blackburn town hall on Thursday.

In conjunction with Blackburn Harriers, the sports village would create vastly improved athletics facilities.

Council bosses said it would give the town a ‘tremendous boost’ if the funding is secured. They have revealed that Blackburn College is prepared to pump at least £2million into the development. And working together, the council and the college is looking to secure another £2.5million from the National Lottery’s iconic facilities pot.

The college has joined the project as it has been looking to improve its sports facilities. Bosses have agreed they would maintain the upkeep of the new complex instead of the council.

Andrew Lightfoot, managing director of Local Government Services, said: “Witton Park is, without a doubt, one of our biggest assets and the proposals for the sports village complex will give a tremendous boost for community facilities in the borough.

“By working together with the Blackburn Harriers and the college, we have an opportunity to bid for lottery funding and it will strengthen all of our chances.

“In the year of the Olympics, this would be a great way to enhance our sport facilities for generations to come."

Blackburn College said the development was be-ing led by Blackburn with Darwen Council and was in the very early stages.

If funding is secured the sports village would be completed in 2014.