THE new homes development, which will start taking shape on the site of Blackburn’s former Royal infirmary, will be known as The Royals.

David Wilson Homes North West is scheduled to start work at the site this month, following a four year delay and designs for the proposed family homes have now been released.

There will be 116 properties, mainly two and three bedroom homes, priced between £100,000 and £140,000, as well as a few one and four bedroom houses, from the builder’s current portfolio.

The first residents should be able to move in early next year, although the scheme, which includes a convenience store and play area, will take five years to complete.

It is the company’s first development in Blackburn, but is already looking for other sites in the borough.

It has bought the majority of the former hospital site, except for the War Memorial Wing which is being developed by PJ Livesey.

Planning director Andrew Taylor commented: “This is an important development on a landmark site. It is a vote of confidence in Blackburn and the recovery of the housing and construction market.

“We believe it will fit in well with the community and the other regeneration taking place in Blackburn, and we are confident the homes will sell.”

To help prospective purchasers find their dream home, the builder is to launching an online service, which will have a helpful mortgage calculator and promote the benefits of its development site locations.

Home buyers thinking of moving to Blackburn can learn about the features, amenities and attractions of the area, such as schools, shopping, leisure facilities and community activities.

The mortgage calculator indicates monthly payments on a particular home — this is now one of the most widely searched online services by buyers.

Steve Jackson, sales director, said: “Home movers will be able to find everything they want using this new service.

“We’ll have lots of information about the Blackburn area, but customers will also be able to think through exactly what their requirements are and then match them against what’s on offer.

“Whether a first-time buyer, or moving for the second or third time, house hunting is a big deal for customers – this new service makes it as easy as possible to match what people want with what’s currently on offer.”