Building demolition to be approved in revamp plan
A report submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's planning committee recommended the work, which would see the knocking down of a former electricity substation and storage facility at the back of Darwen Library.
The plans also involve work to improve the 117-year-old Grade-II listed building's links to the town centre, Market Hall and Town Hall, and forms a key part of the council's planned £6.64m regeneration of the area.
The report said the building's revamp would "bring about a multitude of public benefits".
The local authority's executive board last week approved the scrapping of plans for a golf academy and 50 flats.
The £2.5m Town Deal cash will instead be spent on the Darwen Market and Civic Quarter Development.
The planned improvements to the library complex, on Knott Street, are a key part of that scheme.
The demolition plans are expected to be rubber-stamped on Thursday.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk
Latest stages of work on £120m town revamp announced
Town's £90m revamp will be 'life-changing'
Youth centre's £3.3m upgrade approved

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Yahoo
First phase of market revamp complete
Initial works ahead of a multimillion-pound transformation of a historic market have been completed. Kendal Market Hall closed for a revamp at the end of November and was initially expected to open in April. But after Westmorland and Furness Council received extra government funding to carry out additional work on the building, the opening date was pushed back to 2027. Councillor Helen Chaffey said the preparation work, which included repairing walls, replacing the roof and installing solar panels, meant the council could now "crack on and create something really special". "This has been a golden opportunity to revitalise the Market Hall and to provide Kendal with an upgraded community and commercial space which is fit for the 21st Century," she said. "This development will add to the town centre's identity as a great place where residents, workers and visitors alike can enjoy shopping, visiting and spending time." The hall will next have its gas-fired heating replaced with an air source heat pump system, while energy-efficient LED lighting and automated doors will also be installed. Funding the work The first stage of the refurbishment was funded by £840,126 from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The remaining work will be paid for using £13.5m from the government's Levelling Up Fund, which was granted for the council's Heart of Kendal Project. The scheme is focused on regenerating Kendal Town Centre and improving the riverside corridor. The work also includes "repurposing" Westmorland Shopping Centre to provide new education accommodation to create a third campus for Kendal College. Engagement sessions will take place in the coming months to get people's views on the new hall design. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. More on this story Millions for town's revamp confirmed Millions more needed for market hall revamp Plans to 'enhance view' at Victorian market agreed Related internet links Westmorland and Furness Council
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Yahoo
Carlisle Market Hall barbers reaches final of 'Best Barber 2025'
WE'RE highlighting the shortlisted barber shops in our competition in the . Each of the establishments will be featured over ten issues. Brunos Barbers has been nominated by News & Star readers as one of ten finalists in its 'Best Barber Shop 2025' award. The shop was opened by Bruno Guedes 10 years ago, after he moved to Carlisle from Portugal. Brunos is located at in the Market Hall in Carlisle city centre and has a regular set of clients as well as passing trade. Bruno said it was 'very flattering' to be nominated and reach the final. He said: 'I've been here for ten years now and to be nominated by the people is very flattering. It's just me in the shop and it's small but I have regular clients. 'It's a unique space with good music. I take walk ins and bookings and most of the time people don't mind waiting. I'm always busy so it keeps me occupied!' Inside Brunos Barbers in the Market Hall. (Image: Supplied) Bruno explained how his favourite part about owning his barber shop is getting to know his customers. READ MORE: Meet the finalists for 'Best Barber Shop 2025' He added: 'It's a personalised environment, some people even say they come because of me. I've become friends and even family with some of my customers. It's my passion, I love it. 'I love connecting with people, hearing about their life experiences and relating with each other. I moved to the city from Portugal and now I've got a big circle of friends – they make it a better place.' Bruno also prides himself on being one of the fastest barbers in business. (Image: Supplied) He said: 'I'm very quick, one of the quickest. I can cut around 40 to 50 people per day and on Saturdays, I've been known to cut 80. 'Fridays and Saturdays are my busiest. I work five days a week, Sunday and Monday are my rest days.' News & Star readers will now be able to vote for their favourite finalist by picking up a copy of the daily newspaper between Monday, June 23, and Sunday, July 6.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Yahoo
Fears for the future after market hall put up for auction
Concerns have been voiced after traders arrived at work one morning – to find the market hall listed for auction. Little Lever Market Hall is currently listed for auction on July 8, 2025, with a guide price of £300k. The listing is on RightMove and it is being marketed by Auction House Manchester. The description states the property is a 'well-known market hall' in a 'prominent main road position in Little Lever, Bolton.' It says that it is 'set up as a market hall with stall areas including a bakery and café.' The description adds: 'The property may be suitable for sympathetic redevelopment/development for apartments subject to the necessary consents.' One market trader, who wants to stay anonymous, said: 'Obviously the worry is someone comes in with a lot of money – maybe from London – buys the building and knocks it down to build flats.' They said that all of the traders have known the hall has been for sale for about 18 months – but the auction listing came as a shock. The trader said: 'We haven't been given any notice – when we came back into work on Monday the sign was up. 'We knew it was up for sale, and they haven't been able to sell it." Liam Barnard, councillor for Little Lever and Darcy Lever, said he hoped any buyer would keep the market in place. He said: 'It's a focal point in Little Lever with shops and a cafe that I use regularly – hopefully whoever buys it will keep it as its current use.' Cllr Barnard said that it was 'concerning' that redevelopment into flats was listed as a potential use. He said: 'Not because I don't think we need more houses, but it's a place where people can gather. 'To me – that's the sort of stuff we need in Little Lever – if you turn it into flats then we lose that commodity that they would use.' Have a story? Get in touch at The trader said that one of the market stalls has been there for over 35 years, and that all four traders in the building have spent years building their reputation. The trader said: 'Bolton is just in massive decline – but 20 years ago it was absolutely thriving – the town centre has just been left to suffer. 'This market hall has stood the test of time and the local people have kept this going for 35 years. READ MORE: Bolton at Home house relisted for auction at £65,000 READ MORE: Little Lever Health Centre still cause for concern say watchdog READ MORE: Dearden Street, Little Lever could be made one way 'The community holds us in good regard with all the friendships and reputations we have built. 'A lot of families within Little Lever – mums, dads and grandparents – all still come in here. 'It would be a sad thing to see it go.'