Town centre to get major new office block and shops
Blackburn town centre is to get a major new office building and new shops as part of a redevelopment scheme.
Maple Grove Developments, working with Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackburn Cathedral, has submitted a detailed planning application for the second phase of Cathedral Quarter in the town.
Cathedral Square is being developed under the development agreement MGD has with the council, Blackburn Cathedral and Homes England.
Designed by BDP Architects, the plans will see the development of a striking six storey building comprising 30,500 sq ft net of Grade ‘A’ office accommodation with 5,000 sq ft retail / restaurant space on the ground floor.
The announcement follows on from the completion of One Cathedral Square, which brought 35,000 sq ft of office accommodation to the market in early 2016 and is now home to several organisations including Cummings Mellor, GovNet Communications, Capita and Northern Rail.
Knight Frank and Trevor Dawson have been retained as joint letting agents for the scheme.
Andrew Dewhurst, development director at Maple Grove Developments, said: “When it comes to demand for business space in Lancashire, Blackburn town centre is at the fore.
“One Cathedral Square has proven to be extremely popular and we are confident that number two will follow suit, helping to position Cathedral Square as an established business and leisure location.
“It’s a major regeneration project for the region and as a Lancashire developer one that we are very much proud to be a part of. Once planning is granted, we will look to start on site later in 2019.”
Gary Wilde at BDP continued: “As with Number One, Two Cathedral Square has been sensitively designed in the context of its surroundings, framing the views to the Cathedral and creating al fresco eating opportunities thanks to its south-facing orientation.
“Internally the office design is more informal and incorporates features including a new lounge concept at ground floor to welcome both occupiers and visitors to Cathedral Quarter.”
Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Deputy Chief Executive Denise Park, who has responsibility for the investment and growth programme, said: “The Cathedral Quarter development acts as an impressive gateway to visitors arriving to the town and it’s had a really positive impact on the whole borough.
“The scheme’s excellent transport links and the overall quality of the build has made it the destination of choice for many blue-chip and national organisations.
“This has the potential to be a very exciting new phase. We’ve already had some helpful discussions and we look forward to seeing the wider consultation start as part of the normal processes.”
