Blackburn public realm work begins today

WORK will begin in Blackburn today to create nicer public realm areas on Blackburn’s main retail thorougfare.

Work will begin on improving pedestrian connections between King Wiliam Street and New Market Street, Town Hall Street and Lord Street West.

The works are being funded by a £570,000 grant from the European Regional Development Fund in a bid to make the town attractive to investors and more accessible for potential shoppers.

David Malpass, Head of European Programme, said: “This area is central to the retail, civic and commercial heart of Blackburn and it deserves a public space which will attract visitors and new private sector investment.

“These works will create a much larger, more welcoming area which will encourage new businesses and new jobs into the area.”

Councillor Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “King William Street is a key part of the town centre and links the shopping centre area with Northgate and Blakey Moor.

“It has been in need of a facelift for a while and funding for this sort of improvement will not be available again for some years, so we have taken advantage of the money from the ERDF. The businesses in this part of town are delighted that the work will be going ahead and shoppers will benefit from the improved pedestrian areas, new seating and a brighter appearance.”