Expansion of Blackburn’s Making Rooms given approval

A £1.5million expansion to Blackburn’s thriving Making Rooms creative and technology hub can now begin after it was given planning approval.

Permission has been granted for a major extension at the Exchange Street premises adding two new levels to make full use of its basement and rooftop.

The expansion will more than double the existing capacity, creating over 10 new workspaces in the characterful former bank vaults in the basement and introducing a brand-new rooftop floor with a study room, breakout space, and outdoor terrace boasting views across Blackburn’s historic skyline and on to the Darwen moors.

The rooftop development will also become a dedicated Eco Lab – with a strong focus on sustainability, biomaterials, and experimentation with innovations like robot farming equipment.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council planning officer’s report recommending approval with four conditions says: “It must be acknowledged that the Making Rooms provides a niche offer that provides workspaces for small creativity, technology and advanced manufacturing businesses.

“The presence of this facility promotes innovation and ingenuity within the community alongside the creation of new skills, businesses and employment opportunities.

“Therefore, any proposals aimed at boosting the longevity of this valuable facility are wholly welcomed.

“Such outcomes provide clear public benefits together with adequate justification for the proposals.”

Making Rooms director Tom Macpherson-Pope said: “We are absolutely thrilled that planning permission has now been granted.

“What started as a pipe dream has now become a reality, and we can’t wait to begin the next chapter of The Making Rooms.

“This expansion will help cement our position as the UK’s leading makerspace, and it will allow us to offer even more opportunities for learning, collaboration and innovation.”

Since opening in 2016, The Making Rooms has welcomed tens of thousands of people from across the UK and beyond – offering creative and technical experiences in everything from ceramics to electronics, 3D printing, laser cutting, and more.

The entire building will be upgraded to become fully accessible.

The upgrade works will require the closure of Museum Street.

Cllr Quesir Mahmood, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s growth boss, said: “This is brilliant for Blackburn and for the whole borough.

“The Making Rooms is already achieving incredible things and it’s helping put us on the map for creativity, innovation and collaboration.

“These exciting new plans will build on that success and help take it to the next level – unlocking new skills, opportunities and inspiration for our residents.”

Cllr Desai said: “It’s excellent news that planning permission has been approved for this £1.5m upgrade.

“This investment will further improve an already wonderful facility and provide students with cutting-edge resources, fostering creativity, innovation, and skills development. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our young people and the local community.”

Cllr Marrow said: “I welcome the continued success of the making rooms and it’s achievements in engaging with young people and encouraging them in the field of engineering, science and design.

“But I do have a concern that the planning application should have been considered by the planning committee as the council leader, deputy leader and director of growth and development who is responsible for sign-in off the approval are all directors of the Making Rooms BwD CIC and not done behind closed doors by the planning department.”

The development is being supported with government ‘Levelling Up’ grant money – part of £20m of Whitehall grants to help create a new cultural and leisure quarter in Blackburn town centre.

The Making Rooms was originally set up by Blackburn with Darwen Council before becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC).

The building is also home to two Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations: the award-winning National Festival of Making and Culturapedia.