The revamp of Darwen Market Hall, which includes the introduction of a new glass-roofed arcade to replace its 1960s annex, is poised to make significant progress next week. Councillors are being encouraged to greenlight the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Victorian retail hub in the town centre at their meeting on Thursday.
This project forms part of a £6.64m investment in Darwen's core by Blackburn with Darwen Council, utilising funds from the £100m Town Deal and the council's own capital programme. The extensive overhaul also encompasses a new car park with lift access, roof repairs, modernisation of electrical and heating systems, and enhanced landscaping on School Street featuring new planting, improved lighting, fresh seating and cycle facilities.
Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee has been advised by its officers to approve the planning application for the refurbishment submitted earlier this year. The renovation plan involves refurbishing the Market Hall, including crucial enhancements to the fabric of the historic building, such as the roof, electrics, heating and more.
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It is anticipated that the market stalls will be temporarily relocated within the town centre to facilitate the refurbishment. Meanwhile, the Market Hall continues to operate as normal, with a series of events scheduled throughout the summer and autumn.
The proposal also includes a new arcade to replace the existing 1960s annex, enhancing the connection from the Market Square to School Street.
The scheme proposes an enhanced car park featuring lift access to simplify town centre parking, alongside landscaping improvements to School Street incorporating fresh planting, upgraded lighting, additional seating and cycling infrastructure.
Within a potential subsequent phase of development, the planning submission also seeks consent to reveal the arched area beneath Railway Road.
The proposals have been crafted by a design consortium led by architects John Puttick Associates, outlining how the scheme will establish a dynamic and unique marketplace featuring a premium food hall, conventional market stalls and local artisans and craftspeople.
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Blackburn with Darwen Council leader and Chair of the Darwen Town Deal Board Cllr Phil Riley, said: "The approval of these plans would be an important next step in the delivery of our vision for the future of Darwen town centre.
"We have millions of pounds of new investment planned here, including the proposals for the Darwen Market Hall and improvements to Darwen Library and Darwen Library Theatre too – with planning permission also recently granted for those schemes.
"Work is also well underway on the new Darwen Youth Centre.
"These projects are incredibly important to our residents and communities, to the future of the town centre.
"We've worked hard to develop these plans to ensure what we do is right for the future of the market and the town centre.
"We want Darwen town centre be a place popular with residents and visitors – supporting the town's fantastic range of independent traders and retailers, while providing opportunities for the future and new businesses wanting to invest here too."