An ambitious £8.85 million project to transform a fire-ravaged historic church in Blackburn town centre into a state-of-the-art digital and creative business hub is set to commence this summer, with completion targeted for 2028. The long-awaited redevelopment of St John's Church, which was gutted by a devastating blaze in April 2019, marks a significant step forward in the regeneration of the area.
Contractor Appointed and Timeline Confirmed
Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive board is poised to formally approve the scheme and appoint Nelson-based Barnfield Construction Ltd as the main contractor at a meeting this Thursday. The contractor will begin mobilisation in March 2026, with physical works planned to start in the summer of 2026. The build and fit-out programme is expected to take approximately 18 months, aiming for the redevelopment to be fully operational by the summer of 2028.
From Place of Worship to Innovation Centre
The Grade II listed St John's Church, prominently located at the corner of Ainsworth Street and Richmond Terrace, has stood empty since the fire. Originally built in 1787, it served as an active place of worship until 1975, after which it was transferred to the council and used for civic functions and as a community centre. The new scheme will repurpose the ruins into a high-specification flexible workspace, creating the St John's Business Centre. This centre will focus on digital businesses, forming a creative hub designed to promote emerging opportunities and synergise with the new Blackburn Skills Campus and the wider Business Innovation District.
Architectural Vision and Strategic Importance
The council appointed award-winning design practice OMI Architects, known for their expertise in modernising historic buildings, to develop the designs. Planning approval was secured in November 2023. The project is described as a key strategic initiative within the Local Plan and the Growth Plan for the Lancashire Combined County Authority, representing the largest development opportunity of its kind in the Lancashire region.
Funding and Financial Settlement
The project's complex funding package has been finalised. The council agreed a £3,750,212 insurance settlement with Zurich for the fire damage, resulting in a net sum of £3,540,000 being allocated to the project. To date, project costs have amounted to £800,000. Significant additional funding includes a £4 million grant from the Lancashire Combined County Authority. Furthermore, £800,000 has been reallocated to the project from the Government's Pride in Place Programme, originally set aside for the Bridge House refurbishment, which will now be funded from existing Section 106 agreements. Transfers from other capital schemes totalling £510,000 complete the funding package, though the council notes there may be future revenue implications during the business centre's start-up phase.
Local Welcome for Progress
The progress has been warmly welcomed locally. Conservative councillor Derek Hardman for Livesey with Pleasington ward, a former choirboy at the church, expressed his relief and support. Having raised concerns previously about the lack of action, he stated it was great to see the restoration finally happening, recalling the church standing proud as a symbol of Blackburn's history amidst town centre redevelopment in the past.
