Published Thursday 2 December 2021 at 16:22
Leaders from across Blackburn with Darwen Council are set to lend their support for Blackburn’s bid for City Status at tonight’s (Thursday’s) Policy Council meeting.
Leader Cllr Mohammed Khan, CBE, said:
We have a huge amount of talent and entrepreneurship in Blackburn.
The Government have been clear that they do not want this to be a costly exercise so we have reached out to our fantastic communities to support us. A small team, many volunteers have been working together inside and outside of Blackburn to put forward a fantastic bid that shows off our great heritage and vibrant future.
This is an incredible, once in a generation opportunity to support Blackburn’s bid for City Status. The winners may be the last towns to have the honour bestowed on them by the Queen.
It’s been overwhelming to receive such incredible pledges of support from so many groups and individuals across the borough and beyond.
Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Chief Executive Denise Park said:
I feel privileged that we have been asked to develop this opportunity and utilise the networks that have been nurtured throughout the years since Blackburn with Darwen became a unitary authority.
Team Blackburn is ready and well placed to show the world the great things that can happen here.
It is our job to amplify the voices that are not always heard, to ensure our bid is inclusive, future thinking and builds on Blackburn’s heritage of incredible creativity.
Blackburn is a would-be-city that has always had creativity and innovation at its heart, sparking new ideas and developing pioneering technologies.
The bid will pay tribute to the past but build excitement and confidence for the future.
Cllr Khan went on to thank everyone who has come forward to support the bid so far.
He added:
Blackburn has never been in a better position to gain City Status and will ensure we make the most of the opportunities presented whether we win the bid or not.
Blackburn is at its best when it works together, and our bid is already uniting communities, organisations and businesses through borough-wide collaboration, effort and focus.
Cllr Quesir Mahmood, who is leading on the bid and business engagement, recently attended a workshop with people from all ages and backgrounds to discuss why Blackburn deserves City Status.
He said:
The reaction and positivity for Blackburn to become a city really shone through at that event.
There were so many different faces, ages and races around the table, all with their unique perspectives on why Blackburn is special. But what came out loud and clear was that we are a place that cares and collaborates.
Our diverse people and the spirit that lies within are our strengths.
Blackburn is truly a city of its own making which lies at the heart of Lancashire with culture at its core.
He added:
We are asking everyone to get behind the bid, if you haven’t been asked directly – show your support on your social media channels.
Cllr John Slater, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen’s Conservative Party, said:
Blackburn being awarded City Status would not only help to attract inward investment, it would send a clear message that this is a place of ambition, where we work to get the best for our residents and anyone who wants to do business here. It brings considerable long-term economic and social benefits including employment opportunities, skills development, and a renewed sense of confidence.
It will help build a greater cultural capacity, overcome many outdated perceptions and further highlight us as a desirable destination for businesses, small and large, to continue to set up and thrive.
Youth MP Muhammed Bapu, who has started an apprenticeship with the internationally renowned Blackburn-based EG Group, said:
Blackburn’s unique blend of practical can-do attitudes, imagination and creativity make us an exemplar of a modern diverse and multicultural city whilst focusing on our exceptional cultural talent and listening to the voices of our young people.
Mayor Derek Hardman said:
Many of us want to see Blackburn achieve its full potential and rally around a shared goal that will bring so many long-term benefits in becoming a city.
There has been extensive backing for the 2022 bid since it was announced three weeks ago. A number of positive letters and supporting comments have been received.
You can read them here: Blackburn’s City Bid receives support from its biggest admirers | The Shuttle: Blackburn with Darwen Council News