Chorley’s £44m regeneration poised to ‘catapult’ town forward
The submitted plans detail an enhancement of the town centre with a mixed-use development and the introduction of a civic square.
Chorley Council has worked with planner Newmark and architect JTP to draw up designs for the scheme, which includes the development of 31 apartments with around 7,500 sq ft of commercial and 9,000 sq ft of office space.
It is expected that the red-brick block would provide 10 one-bed and 21 two-bed apartments over four floors.
The creation of a civic square on a 1.5-acre plot opposite the town hall would set a central public space capable of hosting a variety of events in the town centre, including an annual Christmas tree display, festivals, markets and pop-ups, and seasonal ice rink installations.
Chorley Council is now preparing a tender process for the civic square.
It is hoped that work will begin on site, which is currently a surface-level car park, by the end of 2025. Contractors are due to be appointed by the end of May 2025.
The scheme includes a spread of 31 apartments. Credit: via planning documents
Plans for 62 homes off Bengal Street, the second part of the regeneration application, are already in motion.
The third piece of the £44m Chorley town centre puzzle is the refurbishment of the Council’s Union Street offices to provide up to 20,000 sq ft of commercial space. Planning for an NHS-run Health Hub in this space is also underway.
Cllr Alastair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “We’re delighted to reach the critical planning applications stage for these exciting projects.
“This once in a lifetime investment will make sure that Chorley town centre can continue to thrive and be enjoyed for generations to come.
“Our expert team has worked hard to arrive at a highly efficient and deliverable design programme, based on feedback from our residents and other stakeholders as part of our public consultation, that not only provides fantastic new amenities for the local community but also creates new commercial opportunities for the town.
“Chorley town centre already has great things to offer, with high street stores and local independent retailers and great food and drink establishments, and I have no doubt that this new investment will catapult Chorley even further as one of the best places to live, work, and visit.”
Engineers BDP and Stantec, and landscape architect TEP, contributed to the scheme, in addition to Complete Sustainability, Waldeck Consulting, and Trebbi Continuum.
Chorley’s regeneration has been unlocked through £21.75m in funding from the Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, which was secured in November 2023. Chorley Council is set to invest the rest of the cost of the project.
Elsewhere, off St Thomas Road, near the town hall, developer Walker & Williams is preparing to demolish the magistrate’s court building and construct a 12-storey block containing 52 apartments.
Those interested in the application can use the planning reference number 25/00337/CB3MAJ in Chorley Council’s planning portal.
Architecturally devoid of any personality.
By Heritage Action
Wonder if they can incorporate the local FM Radio station’s studio and the cake factory?
By Gum
Chorley is a good proactive council, it is good to see they are continuing to invest in and improve the town centre after the success of the Market Walk extension and other initiatives. When compared to neighbouring towns Chorley town centre has much more going for it with successful markets, an events programme, some interesting independent retailers and a good range of bars and cafes. Hopefully improvements will be made to the paving and street furniture in Chapel Street, Market Street and surrounding streets. Restrictions need to be put on the number of HMOs which are appearing.
By Chorley Cake
Great for the town but how about maintaining the block paving you played down in the town center which a lot of the bricks are loose and when you do get around to repairing it you just fill in with tarmac
By Anonymous