Following Council approval, Blackburn with Darwen Council is set to undertake refurbishment work at the historic Darwen Town Hall.
It is part of a project to improve the existing accommodation and facilitate the relocation of the joint Council and NHS services from Darwen Resource Centre.
The refurbishment works will include internal alterations and improvements to virtually all areas of the Town Hall to improve the suitability of spaces for the use of the public, Council and partner organisations using the building.
The move follows a decision made by Finance Council in February 2024 to designate Darwen Resource Centre as surplus to operational requirements, allowing for alternative commercial use.
Darwen Town Hall was identified as a suitable alternative location after a review of Council buildings.
The Council has allocated an additional £200,000 to the original £150,000 budget to improve flexibility of workspaces, allow additional areas to be included and address the maintenance backlog affecting the areas, bringing the total funding for the project to £350,000.
Following a competitive tender process, Thomas Kershaw Builders Limited has been appointed as the contractor for the works.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Executive Member for Growth & Development, said:
This investment ensures that Darwen Town Hall can continue to serve our community effectively while making the best use of Council-owned assets.
The refurbishment will enhance the building’s functionality without impacting its historic character. We appreciate the patience of residents and staff while these works take place.
To minimise disruption, services currently provided from the ground floor of Darwen Town Hall will need to be re-located to a nearby alternative location which is currently being assessed. We will be sure to let residents know of the interim arrangements once confirmed.
Darwen Town Hall is expected to be closed for approximately three to four weeks to facilitate the works, with reception services relocated to the adjoining Market Hall.
