Blackburn to benefit from high street regeneration programme

Blackburn announced as one of the latest towns across the UK to receive support from some of the UK’s biggest brands.

Blackburn is one of 34 new High Streets selected for the ‘Business in the Community’s Healthy High Streets’ programme which aims to increase footfall and reduce the number of vacant properties in the town centre.

The regeneration programme is backed by some of the UK’s biggest high street brands – founding partners Boots UK, the Co-operative Group, Marks & Spencer and Santander and new partners EE, Exterion Media and Greggs.

Blackburn’s high street will receive a bespoke package of support following a successful application by the Blackburn BID, which will include access to skills and expertise, and dedicated High Street Champions from supporting businesses who will work together with the local partnership team and local authorities to help tackle town centre issues.

Manager of the Blackburn BID, Harriet Roberts, said:

“We will be working in partnership with Business in the Community and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to give Blackburn’s high street an extra boost. The programme fits in with the BID’s objective to make Blackburn a more attractive place to visit and work.”

Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member for Regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

“Alongside the other exciting regeneration projects currently happening, this is more good news for Blackburn. This is a great opportunity to benefit from top-level support and guidance from key retailers to support strategic discussions and town centre planning. We are firmly committed to working with our key business partners to continue the transformation of the town into a thriving, vibrant centre for the local community.”

Business in the Community’s Healthy High Streets programme is designed to enable businesses to collaborate and bring their combined skills and expertise together to support high streets in need.

Peter Donohoe of Business in the Community said:

“One of the most powerful ways for business to make an impact in communities is by creating high streets that are vibrant places to live, work and do business. It has been heartening to see first-hand the practical difference that collaborative, business-led action can make on UK high streets in just one year. While there is much be proud of about our High Streets Programme we also know that there is more work to be done.”

To find out more about Business in the Community’s high streets work visit www.bitc.org.uk/healthyhighstreets