A NEW town centre Indian restaurant is set to open next month.

Work turning the former Blakey’s café bar at King George’s Hall ui9nto EastzEast is now well ahead.

The owners are now awaiting the delivery of a shipment of tables,chairs and internal fittings from China through the Port of Liverpool before announcing an opening date.

Spokesman Zahid Iqbal said: "Work is going really well and we are looking at having an invitation only launch party and then opening to the public.

"We are waiting two shipments of tables, chairs and other fittings in shortly before setting a date.

"It will be mid or late July when we open. We are really looking forward to it."

Cllr Damian Talbot, executive member for leisure at Blackburn with Darwen Council leisure boss which owns the premises said: "I cannot wait for EastzEast to open.

"This is great news and which will be really exciting for the town.

"EastzEast will be a great addition to the dining and night life of Blackburn and the borough."

As well as a traditional South Asian menu in the evening, eastZeast Blackburn’s owners hope to operate a daytime cafe with a traditional British and international menu.

Blakey’s, which seats 200, closed on March 21 with staff taking voluntary redundancy or being redeployed by the council.

King George’s Hall is due a major facelift as part of the five-year Blakey Moor Townscape Heritage Project.