How do you think £20m of Government funding should be invested in Darwen over the next decade?
The Darwen Town Board is inviting residents, businesses and community groups to continue to help shape the future of the town through a new campaign called Let’s Talk Darwen.
So far, through extensive public consultation, local people have highlighted 8 key priorities including:
- Improving the town centre
- Enhancing parks and green spaces
- Supporting music, arts and culture
- More positive activities for young people
- Better access to skills, training and jobs
- Supporting charities, community groups and local businesses
Pride in Place funding for Darwen
Darwen was one of the first 75 towns in the country selected for Pride in Place funding – with £20m set to be invested in the town over the next 10 years. And while longer-term plans are with Government for review, £270,000 has already been released through the pilot scheme, Darwen Community Fund, to support quick-win projects making an immediate difference across the town.
The 12 successful applicants in March 2026 were:
- Anyon Street Bowling Green and Social Club
- Derwent Hall
- Darwen Cricket Club
- Sunbird Records
- Darwen Heritage Centre
- Darwen Youth Zone
- Junction4 Skatepark
- Hoddlesden Millennium Green
- The Parochial Church Council of St James Over Darwen
- The Making Rooms at Darwen Youth Zone
- Launchpad (a partnership between Blackburn College, Newground Together and Darwen Youth Zone)
- Newrad Fisheries
Read more about how they’re spending their portion of the Darwen Community Fund.
Share your views
Complete the short online survey to have your say, you can access it here. Keep an eye on the Let’s Talk Darwen page, our Event Calendar and Facebook page for upcoming Let’s Talk Darwen activities and events.
