BOSSES have struck a deal for Blackburn with Darwen Council to buy up the former Subway building on Blakey Moor.

Sandwich shop bosses confirmed their outlet in Blakey Moor, opposite King George’s Hall, closed in January.

The retailer is redirecting customers to their shops in Blackburn Mall and the town’s railway station.

At the time it closed, town hall officials confirmed the premises, which require some external improvements, could qualify for assistance under the Blakey Moor Townscape Heritage initiative.

But now the council has agreed a deal to buy the building, which stands next to the site of the proposed Blakey Moor regeneration scheme.

Executive member for finance and governance, Cllr Vicky McGurk, said: “This provides a good opportunity for the council to consolidate its ownership of the retail parade on the south side of Blakey Moor and will further assist the council with the on-going regeneration and development of the town centre, creating improved links between Blackburn College and the town’s retail core.

“The purchase of these premises forms the final piece of the jigsaw as the council will own the whole of the southern frontage of Blakey Moor from Northgate to 27 Blakey Moor.

“Also as previously reported, grants available under the Blakey Moor Townscape Heritage Project will enable enhancement works to be undertaken which will support commercial viability of existing businesses, create opportunities for new businesses; help to reinvigorate the town's evening and leisure economy and further establish this part of the town as a cultural hub.”

In November, council bosses appointed designers to come up with a scheme for a key part of the multi-million regeneration of Blackburn’s Blakey Moor.

The council had sought expressions of interest from design firms interested in contributing to the council’s plan to breathe new life into the row of terraced properties along Blakey Moor opposite King George’s Hall and near the new Reel Cinema site.

As part of the scheme, the council wants to see the terrace repaired and restored to its historic design and split into two double-storey units.

Manchester’s Northern Quarter has been taken as inspiration for the scheme.

The council’s director of growth and development, Martin Kelly approved the appointment of Leeds-based architects Group Ginger to come up with designs for the redevelopment of the terrace.

Also last year, work was completed on a £750,000 project to improve traffic flows along Northgate and Blakey Moor.

And renovations were also finished at the former Baroque bar, known historically as the Ribblesdale Hotel.

The wider heritage initiative envisages a makeover for the King George’s Hall frontage and an array of cafes, coffee houses and bars, linking in with the new Reel Cinema development off Nab Lane.

Last year, it was revealed more than £500,000 was forked out for two properties standing in the way of the multi-million pound regeneration scheme.

Blackburn with Darwen Council paid the amount to businessman John Khattir for The Godfather takeaway and the neighbouring Blakey Moor Newsagents to kick-start the regeneration of Blakey Moor.

A Freedom of Information request to find out how much the council paid was turned down by the council in May 2018.

But following an appeal, council officers have disclosed the price of the deal was £535,000.