Blackburn’s Apex Mill site lined up for retail

Site owner Adhan Group wants to demolish the derelict building and replace it with a 6,600 sq ft retail unit.

Areeba Architecture is working with Adhan on the scheme, at the junction of Bold Street and Randal Street.

The intention is to bring down the existing 11,000 sq ft mill building and replace it with a single foodstore, which will have a trading area of 6,600 sq ft. It will be an L-shaped building around nine parking spaces.

A planning statement from SK Transport, an adviser on the project, said: “The development proposals look to deliver a retail food store in a highly sustainable location, within easy walking, cycling and public transport access from the surrounding residential area and Blackburn town centre.

“The proposals also provide an opportunity to redevelop a site where the existing buildings have fallen into a state of disrepair, where it is no longer economically viable to refurbish or reinstate the mill building.”

SK’s statement added that the scheme has been prepared to maximise the footprint of the building for the retail scheme, but with an appropriate level of off-street parking in addition to the controlled parking bays on the surrounding road network.

Adhan is a Blackburn-based group of companies covering various property areas, being known for its expertise in industrial but now looking to make more of a play in retail.

The company previously secured a consent for the site’s redevelopment as nine small retail units and community space. However, this was never acted on.

The store could repalce a derelict mill building. Credit: Areeba