Town hall to close for £350k revamp

Work will start on the regeneration project at Darwen Town Hall in May

Darwen's Victorian town hall is set to close next month for several weeks for a £350,000 refurbishment.

A contractor has been appointed and the work will start in the middle of May.

The 1882 neo-classical building will shut for three to four weeks for the renovation, which includes improving the building to facilitate the relocation of the joint council and NHS services from Darwen Resource Centre.

The front reception desk will relocate to the adjoining market hall for the duration of the closure.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has appointed Thomas Kershaw Builders Ltd from Littleborough as the contractor.

The refurbishment works will include internal alterations and improvements to nearly all areas of the town hall.

'Serve community'

There will also be repair works to the building's fabric identified as part of a survey.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood said: "This investment ensures that Darwen Town Hall can continue to serve our community effectively while making the best use of council-owned assets.

"The refurbishment will enhance the building's functionality without impacting its historic character."

To minimise disruption, services currently provided from the ground floor of Darwen Town Hall will be relocated to a nearby alternative location which is currently being assessed, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Darwen West ward councillor Dave Smith said: "It's good to see works are being undertaken to improve the town hall.

"It is an important part of Darwen and the front desk is really well used.

"Hopefully the works will be completed on time."