The project – part of the £100m Darwen Town Deal and supported by investment from Blackburn with Darwen Council - includes:
-
A proposed double-storey extension – better linking the library and theatre, opening up the spaces for wider community uses;
-
Plans for an impressive new entrance to the theatre which will be easier to access from the town centre with space for a new café/bar;
-
Improvements to the historic library that would focus on repairing and retaining the character and original features while helping to create more space;
-
Increased sustainability to help support the future of both the library and theatre.
Grant Prescott, Associate Architect, Buttress said: “The existing library and theatre are an important focal point within the town centre, and a building that the people of Darwen are justifiably proud of.
"Our proposals aim to conserve the historic character, carrying out necessary repair work, while providing a new complementary extension to better connect the building with the town centre and make it more accessible. There are a number of exciting plans in the pipeline for Darwen, and it is a privilege to be able to contribute to that wider vision through this project.”
The new application, developed by Buttress Architects, is seeking both planning and Listed Building Consent and follows plans also being revealed for neighbouring Darwen Market Hall.
Those proposals include a refurbishment of the Victorian Market Hall, a new arcade to replace the existing Market Annex and a new town centre car park.
Together the schemes, alongside a brand-new youth centre, are part of £25m of new investment for Darwen town centre.
Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Vice Chair of the Darwen Town Deal Board, Councillor Phil Riley, said: “There’s a fascinating history behind Darwen Library and Darwen Library Theatre. A history that we want to preserve and while also looking forward to the future for this beautiful, historic building.
“The Town Deal has offered us a chance to be able to invest significantly in the town centre and in things that matter to us and to our residents, investment that will help make a real difference.
“This new planning application sets out our ambitions for how we can best make use of the building and its facilities to benefit our communities. An exciting next step in our plans for Darwen.”