CHORLEY Borough Council's economic development and tourism chief has praised a new £50 million development at Botany Bay which will create up to 600 jobs.

Nicola Turner said the ambitious plan to build a multi-million pound leisure and office park was a bonus for the area.

She said: "I am proud of such an investment in Chorley, and the creation of so many jobs is very welcome."

Planning chiefs have already given the green light to developers Anglo Properties Holdings, whose managing director is Chorley millionaire Tim Knowles.

The first phase will see three new office buildings built beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

After this, the construction of a 21,771 square feet adventure house should be finished by next Spring.

It is hoped the new accommodation will attract both national and international companies to relocate to Chorley.

Commercial director of Botany Bay Villages, Paul Westhead, said they had already had inquiries from two major firms and hinted that the site could one day be turned into a marina.

There are also future plans for a leisure complex on nearby land, as well as a multi-screen cinema, hotel, pub, nightclub and fitness centre.

Miss Turner confirmed: "We are in discussions with Anglo Properties Holdings regarding their plans for future development for the Botany Bay site." Mr Westhead said the project was aiming to complement and build on the success of the existing Botany Bay Villages which attracts thousands of shoppers every year. And after receiving planning permission from the council this summer, a promotional campaign for the site is already rapidly gaining momentum.