Darwen town hall to close for £350,000 refurb

Darwen’s historic town hall is to close next month for several weeks for a £350,000 refurbishment.

A contractor has been appointed and work will start in the middle of May,

The 1882 neo-classical building will then shut for three to four weeks for the renovation, described as ‘light touch’, to take place.

The front reception desk will relocate to the adjoining market hall for the duration of the closure.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has appointed Thomas Kershaw Builders Limited from Littleborough as the contractor for the works to start in mid-May.

The refurbishment is part of a project to improve the existing accommodation and facilitate the relocation of the joint borough 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, local authority and partner organisations.

The move follows a decision made by Blackburn with Darwen borough’s 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 the authority’ buildings.

Blackburn with Darwen 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.

There will be a refurbishment scheme to the first and second floors (excluding the Council Chamber) and to the adjoining first floor space above the market hall.

In addition there will be repair works to the building’s fabric identified as part of the survey for the refurbishment.

Its growth boss Cllr Quesir Mahmood 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.”

To minimise disruption, services currently provided from the ground floor of Darwen Town Hall will be re-located to a nearby alternative location which is currently being assessed.

The building is expected to be closed for approximately three to four weeks for the works, with reception services relocated to the adjoining market hall.

Darwen West ward’s Cllr Dave Smith said: “It’s good to see works are being undertaken to improve the town hall.

“It is an important part of Darwen and the front desk is really well used.

“Hopefully the works will be completed on time.”