Work to begin on new Darwen THI scheme on Bolton Road

The restoration of another building in Darwen’s conservation area will start soon.

The Darwen Town Centre Townscape Heritage Initiative comprises of a £2m Common Fund providing by Heritage Lottery Fund and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Grants are provided towards property and environmental improvements within a designated area of the town centre.

The new scheme, at 17-21 Bolton Road, includes the reinstatement of architectural detail and repairs and improvements to the shopfronts, doors, windows and vacant floorspace.

The upper floor will be used for commercial use with the ground floor taken up by a take away and taxi office.

A grant of £132,244 has been awarded.

Councillor Alan Cottam, Executive Member for Regeneration and Environment, said: “The Darwen THI scheme seeks to reinvigorate historic buildings in Darwen that are run down and losing their original character through the removal of architectural detail and alterations.

“It is great to see another of Darwen’s historic buildings being brought back to life. They all play an important part in the unique nature of the town.”