Blackburn’s Imperial Mill overhaul moves a step closer

A package of demolition work to pave the way for the redevelopment of the former cotton mill off Gorse Street has been signed off.

Blackburn with Darwen Council last week approved plans to knock down several unsafe structures at Imperial Mill, the first step of the authority’s vision to redevelop the 160,000 sq ft grade two-listed building.

The boiler house, engine room extension, masonry annex, and steel structure – none of which are part of the original structure – will all be demolished.

The council acquired Imperial Mill and adjoining land from Lancashire Saw Company last year with a view to safeguarding the building for the long term.

Plans for its redevelopment into an employment and cultural complex are being worked up but are in the early stages and the building will be leased back to the Lancashire Saw Company for the next 15 years.

Imperial Mill is located within Blackburn Growth Axis, one of six plans to support the council’s £1bn future growth strategy set out in the local plan.

The project team for the Imperial Mill scheme includes Cassidy + Ashton architects and surveyors for the planning, design and access, and heritage impact statements, and Bowland Ecology for ecological advice.

To learn more, search for reference numbers 10/24/0259 and 10/24/0261 on Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning portal.