Blackburn with Darwen unveils vision for fire-damaged church

Proposals to transform the grade two-listed St John the Evangelist into an innovation hub form the first phase of the £250m masterplan for the town centre.

Plans for later phases include a skills and education campus, new town centre homes, and improved public open spaces, as well as increased cycle and pedestrian routes with new connections to the canal.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has submitted plans for the first phase of the masterplan, which calls for the redevelopment of the fire-damaged St Johns Church off Victoria Street to create 9,000 sq ft of office space in Blackburn town centre.

Designed by OMI Architects, the project would deliver 20 offices across four floors, along with lettable desks and co-working space.

Due to the property’s listed status, the redevelopment would reflect the importance of the building to the local community with an emphasis on key internal characteristics, such as the chancel area. Asset features have also been protected where possible, while plans intend to re-use the church’s masonry where possible to maintain its character.

The grade two-listed building dates back to 1788. Credit: via Blackburn Council

Leader of the Blackburn with Darwen Council, Phil Riley, said: “The historic building, with its bell tower, has long been a prominent building on the Blackburn town centre skyline and it is part of the character of our town.”

St Johns Church dates back to 1788 and was used as a place of worship until 1975 when it closed and was later transferred to council ownership to become an arts centre.

Having sustained significant fire damage in 2019, which saw the centre relocate to the Thwaites Visitor Centre off Penny Street, approval of the plans would see new life injected into the town centre building.

Subject to a planning committee green light, it is anticipated that contractors will be on site as soon as next autumn.

The project team includes Crosby Granger Architects, OFR Consultants, GL Hearn, Appleyard and Trew, Max Fordham, and Renaissance.

Renaissance director Helen Gribbon said: “St John’s is an exciting heritage project, bringing the shell of the remaining church back to life with a unique office insertion.

“The project draws on our extensive heritage experience as well as our efficient new build knowledge of the commercial office sector,” she continued.

“Working with a creative design team as well as an informed client, we are delighted to be taking the project forward with the team.”

Want to learn more about the project? Search for application number 10/23/0777 on Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning portal.