Published Wednesday 23 March 2022 at 10:04
Work is underway on transforming an important part of Blackburn’s ‘cultural quarter’ – Blakey Moor Terrace.
For the last 100 years, the building has stood opposite the grand King George’s Hall – and for many decades before that too.
Dating back to the 1800s, and with a variety of uses over the years, the building had sadly started to show its age in recent years, lying largely empty and slowly falling into serious disrepair.
But now, as part of the council’s £3m Townscape Heritage project with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, work has started that will see new life breathed into the building.
Blackburn-based Forrest Joinery and Construction Contracts Ltd are leading on the impressive renovations designed by award-winning architects, Group Ginger.
It’ll see the building split into two – ideal locations for new eateries in the town – one with an impressive mezzanine floor.
And, with new occupiers soon to be announced for the former Baroque bar and East Z East busy serving up its quality Indian cuisine, the whole area is already seeing a revival.
Councillor Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
We’re all really excited to see this building brought back to its best.
You only have to stand at King George’s Hall and look down towards the new Reel cinema and the Barbara Castle statue and already the area is looking really impressive.
The work to Blakey Moor Terrace will add to that even further – providing a perfect location for new restaurants right in the heart of Blackburn’s cultural quarter.
The plans for the building delicately balance the need for modern facilities to secure its long-term future with a focus on preserving historical quality – refurbishing features where possible.
Councillor Riley added:
The refurbishment won’t be an easy task and we expect it to take at least a year, but we know it’ll absolutely be worth the effort.
As we start to recover from the pandemic, we know that a strong cultural offer will be more important than ever before and so this project is vitally important.
We want to ensure strong futures for our town centres and with the work here at Northgate and the £250m masterplan for the former Thwaites site, we’re in a really good position to do something fantastic for Blackburn.
As part of the Townscape Heritage project, up to 16 historic buildings in the Northgate Conservation area will also be restored, with work already completed on five.
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.
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