Final phase of Griffin regeneration set to start on site next month

The long‑awaited final phase of the Griffin regeneration scheme is set to begin on site next month which marks a significant milestone for one of Blackburn’s most historic and complex redevelopment areas.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has confirmed that all agreements are now in place for the project to move forward, including a new commercial deal to support site ‘abnormals’. Funding has been secured through s106 contributions, enabling the development to proceed after years of clearance, compulsory purchase and preparation across the wider Griffin area.

The Council has appointed delivery teams to take the project forward in partnership with McDermott Homes and Great Places Housing, who together will deliver 80 high‑quality new homes on the plot. The scheme includes a mix of affordable and privately owned homes building on the success of previous phases which saw exceptionally high demand, with more than 400 applications received for the first 56 homes delivered off Shakespeare Way.

This next phase will complete the transformation of the former brownfield site, previously cleared as part of the Council’s area regeneration programme.
The development’s design includes the use of red brick to reflect local character, with existing trees and hedges to be retained wherever possible.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

“Improving the quality of housing in our borough is one of the very best ways to improve the lives of our residents, and the transformation already seen in the first phase of Griffin has been remarkable.

Starting on site next month sends a really strong message to the community that this development is happening, it’s fully supported by the Council, and it marks the final chapter in bringing this long‑standing regeneration area back into positive use.

This has been a complex site to bring forward, and the progress we’re now making is testament to the determination of our teams and our strong partnerships with Great Places Housing and McDermott Homes.”

Works are expected to begin on site next month, with the project set to bring long‑anticipated confidence and improvements for local residents.

Regeneration projects delivered by Great Places in the area to date include:

• Shakespeare Way, Griffin – £8.1m scheme – 56 new homes
• Bowen Street, Mill Hill – £3.3m scheme – 24 new homes
• Shorrock Lane, Mill Hill – £2.8m scheme – 16 new homes
• New Wellington Street, Mill Hill – £5.1m scheme – 42 new homes