WEDDING planners are already trying to book dates at boxer Amir Khan’s £5 million luxury Deane venue as building work gathers pace.

The stunning banqueting hall is on track to be open by August next year, and the Khan family have already been contacted by couples interested in tying the knot at the venue.

The structure for the Washington Street development is already visible from Wigan Road, and the family will be in a position to take its first bookings by February, when work has progressed further.

Amir’s father, Shah, said development is going well and that the project has not strayed from the budget earmarked.

Shah Khan said: “Things are progressing very well and it is really starting to take shape now.

“We are getting people already asking whether they can book but we can’t take any bookings yet because there is too long to go with everything.

“By February we’ll hopefully be in a position to start taking bookings.

“Everything is going well and within budget.”

It is hoped that within two to three weeks the concrete floors for the building will have been laid, which will allow work on the roof and exterior brickwork to begin.

Foundations for an atrium at the front of the building are currently being laid.

Mr Khan added: “Amir is really looking forward to it being open.

“It will be an incredible landmark for Bolton and will get so many people visiting the town.

“It is just down the road from the university, and will be another sign that Bolton is starting to modernise.”

Once open, the building will stage wedding receptions and business conferences in a 620-seater buffet restaurant.

The development will contain a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, an 800-seater function hall on the second floor, a VIP restaurant and breakout area on the second floor, a roof terrace and 51 parking spaces.

Bolton firm, Ash & Sons, in Chorley Old Road, is building the venue, employing between 20 and 25 workers on site.