The Darwen Town Deal Board has revealed its bid to Government which – topped up with private and council investment – could be worth more than £100m.
The board, made up of experts all with links to the town, has been working tirelessly on a Town Investment Plan to secure up to £25m of Town Deal funding from Government.
It’s been more than a year in the making with the board consulting closely with residents, community groups and businesses to help shape the priorities for the town over the next five to 10 years.
The bid, which has now been sent to Government for careful consideration, identifies millions of pounds of funding for the town centre.
Proposals include restoring the town’s Victorian market – creating a new food hall and ‘makers market,’ to attract visitors, funding for the Library and Library Theatre and improved car parking.
There’s also cash for the ‘gateways’ – improving the look-and-feel of the town from both the north and south as well as funding to improve pathways through the town’s parks and woods up on to the moors.
A new manufacturing opportunity has also been developed which would put Darwen on the map nationally – harking back to the town’s place in history as industry leaders.
And there’s plans for new employment sites to support new jobs, money to complete housing sites which have stalled, an ultrafast broadband offer and more.
“We have said from the very beginning that this is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Wayne Wild – chair of the board, which has continued to meet virtually during the Coronavirus lockdown.
“We knew from the outset that the full £25m wasn’t guaranteed and that we needed to develop a really strong bid to make sure we could secure as much money for the town as possible. That has been our absolute priority.
“Thousands of hours have gone in to preparing this bid – a bid which the board is proud to present on behalf of the town.
“At the very heart of it is what residents, community groups and businesses have told us is needed to really kick-start the transformation of Darwen – to make a real difference to the town we all love.”
The board, of which all members have offered their time and expertise for free, has already successfully secured £750,000 of Town Deal funding that was made available for ‘quick win’ projects.
The money is being used to restore the town’s iconic Tower and create a brand new sports village which will boast some of the best facilities in the country.
Schemes have already been announced for AFC Darwen, Junction4 Skatepark and an elite cricket academy based at Darwen Vale.
Councillor Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration and Deputy Chair of the Town Deal Board said:
“The board, alongside our council officers and experts who have supported them throughout the process, has worked incredibly hard on a really strong bid to present to Government.
“This is a bid that works really closely to the Government’s guidelines on how the money needs to be spent – on creating real opportunities for the town – focusing on regeneration – creating new jobs, new opportunities and improving the lives of residents.
“We have also worked to develop a plan that will have true impact – a plan that will restore a sense of optimism for residents who have real pride in their hometown.
“The bid is worth more than £100m when you add in private investment and support from the council – that is absolutely staggering and an exciting prospect for the future of Darwen.”
Darwen is one of more than 100 towns shortlisted by Government to bid for the Town Deal funding.
MP for the town, Jake Berry, a member of the Town Deal Board, said:
“Having represented Darwen as its Member of Parliament for the last 10 years, I know just first-hand what a special place it is.
“A traditional Lancashire market town, proud of its history with the friendliest people you could ever hope to find.
“There has however been a collective feeling that our town was being left behind, overlooked for investment in favour of bigger, neighbouring towns and cities.
“That’s why we have all come together to grab the opportunity of this once in a generation Town Deal.
“Working as a team, we have created a fantastic transformative plan, backed by local people to regenerate, restore and renew our town.”
Due to the Coronavirus restrictions, the Board held a variety of virtual events for residents and businesses to be able to have their say.
The full details of the bid will be made available when the Government announces its decision on the funding allocation.
Board members:
- Wayne Wild – Former Group Commercial Director of WEC Group Ltd (Chair of Darwen Deal Board)
- Councillor Phil Riley – Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Growth and Development (Vice Chair)
- Councillor John Slater – Leader of the Conservative Group for Blackburn with Darwen Council
- Councillor John East – Leader of Darwen Town Council
- John Sturgess – Chair of Darwen Town Centre Partnership
- Gary Aspden – Darwen resident and global brand and design consultant for adidas
- Miranda Barker – Chief Executive of East Lancs Chamber and Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Board Director
- John Wilkinson – Regional Director of Suez Recycling and Recovery UK
- Glenda Brindle – Chair of Governors at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy
- Dr Fazal Dad – Principal at Blackburn College
- Steve Waggot – Chief Executive of Blackburn Rovers
