Darwen Youth Centre transformation is set to begin in March!
Work to drastically improve the Darwen Youth Centre Knott Street site is due to begin imminently, and the plans are incredibly exciting. While there will be inevitable disruption while work is carried out, the new facilities for Darwen’s young people will all be worth it.
There are plans for a first floor to be added to the existing structure, plus a wellbeing area, creative workshop space, recording and DJ studio, gaming zone and several multi-use spaces. The outdoor sports facilities will also see big improvements. We’re excited to have a state of the art space for teenagers in Darwen Town Centre, where each and every attendee will have the opportunity to nurture their unique interests, whether that’s the creative arts, sports, media, gaming… the list is endless.
To make these improvements to the Youth Centre possible, it is necessary to close Knott Street car park from March 2024. Council leader, Coun Phil Riley explained:
“The start of the works to transform Darwen Youth Centre inevitably means that Knott Street car park will have to close, at least temporarily.
The difference this work, funded through the Youth Investment Fund, will make to local young people is massive – the centre will be doubling in size with the addition of an extra level on the existing building.
We know that drivers who currently park on Knott Street will have to find alternative car parking, which is why we’ve made the decision to waive parking charges on the car parks at the train station and on Atlas Road. Free parking will be available on these car parks until at least March 2026, when parking charges in Darwen will be reviewed.”
We appreciate that the closure of the Knott Street car park will be an inconvenience for many, but it could not be for a more positive reason. The new Darwen Youth Centre is set to be a real asset for Darwen Town Centre and a “statement building” for our young people to enjoy.
