Stunning new plans to transform Blakey Moor

Ambitious plans to transform the historic Blakey Moor Terrace in Blackburn town centre are finally set to get the go-ahead.

The Council has unveiled a stunning new graphic showing how the terrace will look. The Victorian buildings, opposite King George’s Hall and near the new Reel Cinema, will boast two units for food and drink, retail, or arts uses as the centre of a new cultural and leisure quarter in Blackburn town centre.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund have submitted the impressive designs for formal planning approval.

This a key element in the Blakey Moor Townscape Heritage Project to transform the historic area.

The Council has previously acquired properties on Blakey Moor for the restoration, redevelopment and re-use of the whole terrace as part of the Townscape Heritage Project.

In December, Award-winning architects Group Ginger architects were chosen to undertake surveys and develop detailed designs for the terrace, updating the original vision.

These include an elegant re-interpretation of the original shop fronts updated with timber and decorative metal detailing, preserving the historical quality of the terrace and original upper floor windows. The design also includes proposals for an impressive rear courtyard that makes the most of the south facing and currently inaccessible land to the back of the terrace.

The original shop fronts on Blakey Moor have long since been destroyed and replaced. Using historic photographs as reference, the new shop fronts across the entire terrace will re-create an attractive and characterful façade that will once again enhance this important Conservation Area.

A formal submission of the Planning Application will be made this month, followed by the construction contract going out to tender.

Subject to construction being able to safely start under current coronavirus guidance, it is hoped that work could begin onsite as soon as October, for 12 to 18 months.

Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member of Regeneration said:

This finished design includes some significant changes, particularly at the rear where land has been assembled to produce an attractive recreational space that will really enhance the Blakey Moor Terrace. After delays, including, of course, the coronavirus lockdown, the Council are keen to see the area bustling with activity that will eventually see these historic buildings restored and adding to the economic and social life of the town.”

Group Ginger Architects said:

The council showed great foresight in acquiring this historic building and it has been our pleasure to respond to their ambitious brief to repair and revitalise the building; providing  a vision for Blakey Moor Terrace, that celebrates activity and secures the buildings long-term future which is complementary to the enhanced cultural quarter of Blackburn town centre.”

David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

This is a major step forward in the delivery of the Townscape Heritage Project. The sensitive restoration and reuse of Blakey Moor Terrace after decades of near dereliction will be a real achievement.”

Anyone interested in commercial opportunities at Blakey Moor Terrace should contact Brady’s on 0161 839 1213.