Unveiled: Darwen’s new £1.5m Market Square

Darwen’s impressive new Market Square is officially finished!

And, to celebrate, a new video documenting the creation of the iconic Weaver Bird – the statue which stands proudly as the centrepiece – has been released.

The £1.5 million project has completely transformed the area to the front of the Town Hall and Market.

It boasts a large outdoor area – perfect for events, seated areas and landscaping offers a burst of colour.

Poignantly, the names of soldiers from Darwen who died during the First World War have also been captured in new light boxes erected along the perimeter wall.

Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:

I’m incredibly proud to see what’s been achieved with the new Market Square.

This has been a big project for Darwen with significant investment and the end result really is impressive.

The square is something new for the town, something different and something that will draw in visitors and attract shoppers with the aim of supporting our local traders and offering a welcome boost going forward.

Companies from across Darwen have been involved in creating the finished look with WEC Group making and installing the seating and street furniture.

Steel fabricators, SDS Albion Engineering refurbed the railings and provided the feature metal screen while ATG provided and installed the bollards.

Also, as part of the scheme, contractors Eric Wright hired an apprentice from the town.

Councillor Riley added:

Residents in Darwen are passionate about keeping it local, protecting their heritage and supporting each other – a sentiment shared by the Council and reflected in the design.

The whole project has been a real team effort with residents offering their input and ideas through consultations, the Darwen Town Centre Partnership offering their support and groups including volunteers from the Darwen Heritage Centre providing the names of the fallen soldiers.

Everyone has pulled together and the square has created a real talking point – particularly the Peregrine Falcon at the centre!

The new video shows how the idea first came about and offers a fascinating insight in to how artist Liam Hopkins came up with the concept and brought his initial idea to life.

It’s a great way to celebrate the works now being completed and I’m looking forward to the square being put to good use for popular events and enjoyed all year round.