A MULTI-MILLION pound plan to build a huge superstore in the heart of Blackburn could create up to 400 new jobs.

Leeds-based Tranville Developments Ltd has announced moves to build the store next to the busy Eanam roundabout.

The Yorkshire firm is confident the scheme will go ahead and has already held lengthy negotiations with town hall officials.

A leading supermarket chain is "very seriously" interested in the project and viability studies have also been completed.

The latest scheme follows moves to build a new supermarket in Darwen, a retail park close to the Ice Arena and a multi-screen cinema and bowling alley next to Blackburn rail station.

Rail chiefs have also announced plans to invest millions in a revamp of the crumbling station building.

New investors have been coming to Blackburn following the opening of the M65 extension and there are plans to upgrade the Darwen Street end of town. Tranville Developments has been talking to three firms who own land next to the roundabout.

Thwaites, Stagecoach and Alkron Packers would all be willing to move out of Victorian buildings which would be demolished to make way for the store.

The companies would relocate to different sites, but have no plans to move away from Blackburn.

Plans include a 60,000 square foot store, creche and parking space for 450 cars. Tranville Developments has also promised to improve pedestrian access to the town centre and provide new bus stops and routes.

The company has applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council for outline planning permission and has put together reports on the effect on traffic and trade in the town.

Tranville Developments managing director Andrew Foggitt said: "This would probably be the largest supermarket in the area and we are pretty confident it will go ahead.

"A lot of time, effort and money has been invested in this project and we are believe there is enough demand for a store of this kind in the town."

Peter Kuit, head of planning at Blackburn town hall, added: "We will have to assess the impact on traffic and the design but in planning terms it is likely we will recommend the scheme is approved."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.