WORK is being carried out in the grounds of Blackburn Cathedral ahead of a £30million scheme to breathe new life into the area.

Over the last few days workers have been carrying out trial hole excavations at various points in the grounds.

The work is necessary to test the land ahead of the proposed development, which is expected to create around 350 new jobs.

It is expected to continue for the rest of the week.

Proposals include a hotel with 70 bedrooms with retail and restaurants on the ground floor, 30,000sq ft of office space, a new bus interchange, a ‘Clergy Court’ with 11 apartments and houses including a library, diocesan offices and refectory and a new square which will form the focal point of the scheme.

The cathedral will be given a revamp with a new cloister – the first since medieval times - and the Crypt cafe will also be given a fresh look.

Council bosses said that they would not occupy the new offices, which will instead be offered to private sector companies including solicitors and national food chains.

Funding for the project has been approved and Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Committee lent the scheme their support in December.

A planning application from Preston-based Maple Grove Developments is expected in the next few weeks.

If the proposals are approved work will start at the end of the year with a completion date of 2014.