WORK on a long-awaited major regeneration scheme is now back under way.

The Lower Darwen Paper Mill site between Greenbank Terrace and Milking Lane, just off junction 4 of the M65, is set to contain 100 new homes, a potential careers hub and light industrial units.

Dubbed Mill Bank Business Park, it is being developed by Barnfield Blackburn Ltd, the new joint venture company between Brierfield-based Barnfield Developments and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

This phase of works will provide a new road through the site linking Greenbank Terrace and Milking Lane.

The road will not only provide access to the future development plots for residential and commercial use, but also solve a bottleneck on Milking Lane.

Extensive works within the site are also planned to help alleviate flooding on Greenbank Terrace.

Work begins this week and will be undertaken by Barnfield Construction Ltd, and it is envisaged that works will be complete in March 2021.

The partnership is already talking to a number of established residential developers and has interest in the commercial development from local occupiers.

The masterplan shows a range of commercial premises from small starter units of 1,000 square feet up to 40,000 sq ft.