Blackburn leader hails Darwen industrial ‘success story’

Barnfield has completed the 35,000 sq ft Mill Bank Business Park and secured occupiers for all seven units.

Barnfield Blackburn, the JV between the local council and Barnfield Developments, has announced the scheme is fully let.

Pendle Doors has taken 15,000 sq ft at the Eccleshill Road complex in Darwen, while Trans-Cool Solutions has signed for 10,000 sq ft. The remaining 10,000 sq ft is occupied by Howdens Joinery and Halo Accident.

“What a success story this is,” said Cllr Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council.

“We’ve been able to take a long-derelict site – a real eyesore – and create new jobs, new homes, and improved roads in that area too.

He added: “Projects like this are where the Council and its joint venture with Barnfield can really make a difference.”

Main contractor Barnfield Construction completed the scheme with the help of £1.4m from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership.

Located off Junction 4 M65, the development forms part of the wider regeneration of the former Lower Darwen Paper Mill, which was acquired by the JV in 2019. Elsewhere on the site, Elan Homes is delivering 76 residences.

Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development and acquisition at Barnfield Group, said the fully let complex demonstrates “confidence in the market and in the borough.”

Trevor Dawson and Taylor Weaver acted as joint agents for the commercial development.