Thumbs up for Darwen Market overhaul
Along with upgrading trading areas, the council-led project includes replacing a 1960s-built annexe and car park.
Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning committee considered the application for the project at its meeting on 17 July, with a recommendation to approve.
John Puttick Associates has designed the redevelopment, with Cassidy + Ashton advising on planning. Marston & Grundy Consulting Engineers, Pennine Ecological, LK Group, Parker Wilson Consulting, and Bowland are also on the project team.
Late Victorian, the Darwen Town & Market Hall complex faces onto Market Square, and its update is a central plank of BwD’s Levelling Up Fund programme for Darwen.
Along with structural upgrades and a layout change to allow for more retail and F&B units, works proposed include landscape improvements to Market Square, a new ramp access and plant area and the refurbishment and extension of the arched space below Railway Road to create a new commercial unit.
Parking capacity will be reduced from 149 to 79 cars, with 12 disability spaces added. Photovoltaic panels will be introduced.
The car park will be north-east of the site, with School Street’s slope used to reduce the need for internal ramps. A children’s play terrace is proposed at the Market Square side.
The market will have a tradeable area of around 19,150 sq ft, a small reduction on the current floorspace.
All documents relating to the approved project can be viewed on BwD’s planning portal, reference 10/25/0250.
There is never enough parking now, it is to be hoped there is a plan to make a car park somewhere else close to the centre. Pointless making the town more attractive to shoppers if there is a parking shortage.
By Anonymous
Another lesson in how not to do it…
By Anon
This is a cracking scheme that will be another step in improving Darwen town centre .
By Wislon
Looks an excellent scheme modernisation whilst retains character. Darwen a nice town with great connections to both Manchester Blackburn and the rest of Lancashire
By George
Actually this is definitely how you should do this.
A well-thought out scheme which enhances this square. I visited Darwen nearly two years ago and it was buzzy. A town that is doing much right.
By Anonymous