Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has published a masterplan for the £250m redevelopment of Blackburn town centre.
The concept masterplan from BDP Architects is part of the council’s draft local plan proposals for new development, anticipating 500 homes and 1,000 jobs in a new business district. The employment space will focus on low-carbon, green and renewable industries.
Under the plan, the council is set to relocate grocer Morrisons to a new store located on the former Thwaites brewery site, and refurbish and reopen the Fleece Inn hotel. In addition, the council plans to refurbish St John’s Church to create flexible workspace alongside providing purpose-built business and technology workspace.
The council and its development partner, Maple Grove, part of the Eric Wright Group, will be bringing forward further details in 2022 to assemble sites, work up planning applications and start work on early development phases.
Talks have commenced with potential strategic investors and businesses to explore opportunities for private sector investment and business expansion proposals.
Phil Riley, executive member for growth and development at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “Although our plans are ambitious, we are confident that this is an achievable vision which brings forward development proposals for our strategic town centre sites that will be a game-changer in terms of transforming the centre of Blackburn.”
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