Plans to restore Darwen’s iconic Jubilee Tower have been given the green light.
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Planning Committee last night voted to grant the permission needed to be able to carry out the work on the Grade II listed building.
The restoration work will involve improvements to the observation decks at the top of the tower, repointing of the building with lime and mortar, stone repairs, re-glazing of the windows, new handrails, replacement of rainwater pipes and more.
You can read the full details here.
The work has been made possible after the Darwen Town Deal Board successfully secured more than £750,000 of Government funding for ‘quick win’ Town Deal projects.
From that, more than £200,000 has been pledged for the works to the tower which will be topped up with £80,000 raised by Darwen Rotary through support from residents.
Chair of the board, Wayne Wild said: “This is fantastic news!
“Right at the very start of the Town Deal process, it was clear that restoring the tower was really important to residents in Darwen – for many, it was right at the top of the list.
“The tower is iconic – it stands proudly on the top of the moors and Darreners always know they’re ‘home’ when they see it.
“It also helps bring visitors to the town – something we want to really work on as part of the Town Deal.
“To be able to secure the much-needed funding was a proud moment for the board and this decision takes us another step closer to the work being able to start.”
As part of the initial fundraising efforts, a new video was created telling the fascinating story of how the tower was a celebration of the ‘right to roam’ following events in 1896 when access rights over the moors were claimed for the townspeople.
It also commemorates Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 – celebrated in the tower’s official name – Darwen Jubilee Tower.
Reports submitted as part of the planning application outline how the condition of the tower has deteriorated in recent years with temporary supports currently in place.
Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member for Regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council and deputy chair of the Town Deal Board, added: “This is superb news.
“The tower is an important landmark for Darreners and indeed those living in the surrounding areas.
“During the recent lockdowns we have seen people – young and old – heading up there in their droves – enjoying the rolling countryside and the stunning views from the top.
“I’m really pleased to say these works will restore it to its former glory so it can be continued to be enjoyed for generations to come.”
The three other projects to also benefit from the £750,000 Town Deal funding will help develop a brand new sports village in the town.
These include:
- £250,000 for AFC Darwen to create a multi-function facility – read more here
- £250,000 for the Junction4 Skatepark to help transform it in to a ‘world class’ sporting facility which could host Olympic events – read more here
- £25,000 to look at the feasibility of an elite new cricket academy within the grounds of Darwen Vale – read more here
Due to Blackburn with Darwen Council being both the applicants and the landowners, the decision will be referred to the Secretary of State for review.
Photo Credit: Gregg Wolstenholme Photography – http://greggwolstenholme.co.uk/
