Building demolition to be approved in revamp plan

Decaying buildings behind Darwen Library are set to be demolished as part of redevelopment plans

Councillors are set to approve the demolition of decaying buildings behind a historic library and theatre as a part of a town centre regeneration plan.

A report submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's planning committee recommended the work, which would see the knocking down of a former electricity substation and storage facility at the back of Darwen Library.

The plans also involve work to improve the 117-year-old Grade-II listed building's links to the town centre, Market Hall and Town Hall, and forms a key part of the council's planned £6.64m regeneration of the area.

The report said the building's revamp would "bring about a multitude of public benefits".

The local authority's executive board last week approved the scrapping of plans for a golf academy and 50 flats.

The £2.5m Town Deal cash will instead be spent on the Darwen Market and Civic Quarter Development.

The planned improvements to the library complex, on Knott Street, are a key part of that scheme.

The demolition plans are expected to be rubber-stamped on Thursday.