This transformation of Blackburn Cathedral Quarter across the 17 hectare site is set to create a special meeting place and gateway to the town providing a unique and characterful place in the heart of Blackburn.
This regeneration will provide new public and private open spaces in and around the Cathedral and in front of the main railway station and bus interchange.
It is set to introduce new leisure and tourism uses into Blackburn town centre in order to enhance the “night time” offer to both local residents and visitors alike.
A series of new office, retail and hotel buildings will be constructed incorporating a modern urban design and raising the standard of the quality of accommodation within the town centre.
In addition to this a new Clergy Court is to be constructed forming a range of new facilities on the south side of the Cathedral which will be the first cloisters constructed in the country for over 600 years.
The first phase of construction is underway, including a new office building above associated retail and leisure facilities, a 60 bedroom Premier Inn hotel, the new Clergy Court and associated public realm centred around a new piazza style square between the railway station and the Cathedral itself.
In addition to this a new bus interchange will be provided fronting the entrance the railway station. This will complement Blackburn’s excellent public transportation offer in the heart of the town centre. Phase 1 will be completed in September 2015.