TJ Morris takes over at Darwen’s former Perspex site
With demolition of the plastics firm’s Orchard Mill complex now complete, plans have been lodged for a 31,000 sq ft Home Bargains store, along with a further 29,000 sq ft second phase of big box retail.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has now validated the application from TJ Morris, which is working with planning advisor Quod and WPL Consulting.
As reported by Place last year, PGC Dismantling was contracted to pull down the 168,000 sq ft factory along with office blocks on the site, Perspex having moved operations to its hub at Goose House Lane, Chapels Park.
WPL sets out how the application is a hybrid one, seeking full consent for a phase one store accompanied by 216 car parking spaces, and outline consent for two units, of around 10,000 sq ft and 20,000 sq ft, as a second phase.
The Duckworth Street site is around 6.7 acres in total.
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Quod said in its planning statement: “Home Bargains has a strong requirement to open a new store in Darwen, and recent retail development immediately to the south has strengthened this commercial interest by creating an established retail destination.
“TJM is looking to bring forward a modern retail development that will deliver jobs and investment in the local area in a location that is identified as suitable for commercial development.
“It is anticipated that the new HB store will create up to 100 full and part-time jobs and will result in significant investment – both directly and indirectly – into the local economy.”
The professional team on the project also includes Rappor, RPS, Encon, Red Ecology, and Envision.
Documents relating to the scheme can be viewed on BwD’s planning portal, reference 10/26/0898.
