Kier set for Star Square appointment in Blackburn
The contractor has been confirmed as the preferred bidder to deliver the £45m regeneration project, which will be anchored by Star Academies.
Blackburn with Darwen Council said that the selection has followed a rigorous procurement process to find its partner for its flagship regeneration scheme, in the heart of Blackburn town centre.
The first phase of development will include construction of the first of four planned buildings alongside a new pocket park on part of the existing Brown Street car park.
The project will be anchored by Star Academies, which will relocate its headquarters and National Institute of Teaching to 1 Star Square.
Star Academies agreed in March that on completion of the building, it will purchase the freehold of the 93,000 sq ft 1 Star Square for £10.3m.
Preparatory works are already progressing on site, with highway improvement works now complete and drainage diversion works expected to conclude by the end of the year. Subject to final approvals, main construction works could begin as early as spring 2027.
The 1 Star Square building will serve as a hub for educational leadership, training and innovation, creating a focal point for knowledge, research and economic growth in the town centre.
The development is backed by £20m of government funding, alongside investment from Star Academies, Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Lancashire Combined County Authority.
Cllr Quesir Mahmood, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and executive member for growth and development, said: “Star Square is one of the most significant regeneration schemes currently being developed in Lancashire and it’s a key part of our £250m vision for Blackburn town centre.
“We worked incredibly hard to secure the £20m of government funding needed to help support the scheme, complemented by a further £2m investment from the Lancashire Combined County Authority, helping us bring forward a development that will transform this landmark site.”
The project sits in a suite of schemes being advanced in Blackburn, including restoration work at the former St John’s Church, which will house a business hub, the overhaul of King George’s Hall, due to reopen in September, and a cultural quarter.
The University of Lancashire had previously been lined up as Star Square’s educational anchor, but pulled out as pressures built up in the higher education sector.
Cllr Mahmood continued: “The Star Square development will provide a new national headquarters for Star Academies – an organisation recognised across the country for educational excellence – while creating a destination that will attract more people into the town centre, strengthening the local economy and supporting future growth.
“Reaching this milestone in appointing Kier is a major step forward and we look forward to working together to deliver a development that will bring lasting benefits for our residents, businesses and communities.”
Star Academies is a mixed multi-academy trust that runs a network of primary and secondary schools across England. Currently based on Shadsworth Road in Blackburn, the trust’s new purpose-built HQ will act as a national centre for educational leadership, professional development and teacher training.
Kam Kothia, chair of Star Academies, said: “The first phase of Star Square represents far more than a new headquarters – it marks the beginning of an inspiring new era for our organisation and for the communities we serve.
“This transformational development will play a central role in the wider Star Square vision: a vibrant hub for knowledge, research, innovation and economic renewal.
“Our new home at 1 Star Square will provide a modern, purpose‑built environment – a place designed to elevate our mission and expand the impact we have on young lives for decades to come.”
Proposals for 1 Star Square include a 200-seat lecture theatre, training facilities, flexible workspaces, meeting rooms and a recording studio, with an updated detailed planning application due to be submitted in the coming months.
Such a shame it needs to look so bland and uninspiring. This could have been a truly great chance to beautify.
By Anonymous
Is this open to any religion as star academies are a Muslim school.
By Anonymous
Star academies run faith and non faith school’s. It employs a wide range of staff of differing faith , gender and ethnic backgrounds….its a very positive model . It’s a shame Lancashire university pulled out of an investment in an area with a growing and young population…suspect they will regret that in future years ….but it leaves a gap the Blackburn college with its very long standing and close links to Lancaster university and training 2000 to fill . This is an important development for Blackburn town centre and its ambitious council
By George
What a pity they couldn’t have chosen a local contractor!
By Phil Ingham
@ August 07, 2026 at 12:37 pm
By George
University is not a be all and end all route to success. Many young people are doing apprenticeships now – and these can be done to higher and degree level in different settings.
Star are an excellent organisation though.
By Rye
I would have liked to see a wealth-generating business put it’s roots down in the town centre, rather than another drain on the public purse of an education system that will run in parallel with the state system. I would like someone to comment by telling me, truthfully, that I am misunderstanding this article.
By Anonymous
Blackburn & darwen council should bring more retailers to the town
By Anonymous