Maple Grove progresses first phase of £250m Blackburn masterplan
The developer is drawing up proposals that would see the existing Morrisons supermarket demolished and a 30,000 sq ft new-build replacement constructed on the site of the former Thwaites brewery.
The relocation of the supermarket to the former brewery site will be the first part of Maple Grove Developments’ £250m masterplan for Blackburn town centre.
A planning application for this element of the wider masterplan is expected before the end of the year after the developer lodged an EIA scoping request with the local council.
Daniel Thwaites & Co vacated the Blackburn site in 2018 and relocated to purpose-built premises at Mellor Brook in the Ribble Valley.
By demolishing Morrisons, which was built in the 1980s, Maple Grove will free up the site for residential development of up to 500 homes in a future phase.
The adjoining multistorey car park will be repurposed and operated by the council.
The 10-year masterplan, drawn up by BDP, also features a five-building commercial district on the former markets site on the opposite side of Penny Street from the old brewery.
Encompassing 12 acres, the town centre vision also includes plans to restore the fire-destroyed St John’s Church before converting it into a flexible workspace, as well as the refurbishment and reopening of The Fleece Inn.
Maple Grove, the development arm of Eric Wright Group, entered into a joint venture with Blackburn with Darwen Council in 2021 to deliver the masterplan.
The town centre vision could also benefit from a share of a £40m Levelling Up Fund bid submitted earlier this year, but is just one part of a wider regeneration strategy being driven by the council.
“We’re progressing £1bn of strategic frameworks to significantly drive growth in our borough,” said Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council.
“The £250m Blackburn Town Centre Masterplan is part of our wider Blackburn Growth Axis, which is bringing forward major development opportunities while leveraging key opportunities nearby, including around the government’s National Cyber Force HQ and Samlesbury Enterprise Zone.”
The project the authority is delivering in partnership with Maple Grove is “believed to be the largest town centre development of its kind in the North West”, Riley said.
“There’s real momentum around growth in the borough as we work towards Blackburn with Darwen being one of the most important economic centres in the region.”
The masterplan features plans for retail, resi and offices. Credit: via masterplan documents
Another masterplan, set for chaos, overspend and disaster for Blackburn. How many masterplans can we have. No previous masterplans have been successful. This council have no track record.
By Anonymous
This council does have a long a successful record of development both in the town centre and along the m65 ….joint part ships with the private sector has brought investors into the area ….it’s success has been inspite of massive challenges of deprivation and government cuts
By George
Anonymous -what about the Blackburn Cathedral Quarter- that has transformed the that area of the Town Centre?
By Anon
I do hope Preston objects like Blackburn objected to the Tithebarne plan.
By Katie
What about the consideration for the Salvation Army building? You’re doing away with Vicar St and the car park at the back of it won’t be accessible, then what??
By Anon