A NEW manager has been appointed for the £2.8million Kingfisher business centre in Rawtenstall.

Jayne Boyd will also manage Futures Park, Bacup.

Jayne said: "This is a fantastic new venture for the local area -- an area I know well having lived here for 25 years. It's going to bring new jobs to a developing and growing economy and I'm really keen to see the Bacup centre do as well as the one in Rawtenstall.

"We'll be looking for staff and it will be great to see who comes forward and shares in Futures Park success."

Work on the Kingfisher Centre, which will manage Futures Park, is well under way. When it opens in May next year, the centre will provide 50 offices for local businesses, training facilities and a learndirect centre.

Jayne added: "It's very exciting to see work progress. Work is right on schedule and the construction company has an excellent track record for hitting its targets."

Futures Park is being built by Preston-based Eric Wright Construction and is jointly funded by the North West Development Agency, Bacup SRB and Rossendale Borough Council.

The completed centre will be owned by Rossendale Council and managed by Kingfisher along the lines of its existing office complex in Rawtenstall.