Opening date confirmed for centuries-old church gutted by fire as it gets very different new use
Blackburn with Darwen Council’s growth boss has confirmed that the revamped former St John’s Church in Blackburn town centre will reopen in 2028 as digital business and creative innovation hub.
The 239-year old building was gutted by a fire in April 2019 and has stood empty ever since.
But last week the council’s executive board agreed to appoint Barnfield Construction as contractor for the £8.5million redevelopment which will start this summer.
The project will focus on digital and cyber technology businesses, forming a new creative hub with links to the Blackburn Skills Campus coming to the town centre.
Cllr Quesir Mahmood said: “I’m delighted that we can now move forward with Barnfield Construction to bring our vision for this historic building to life and look ahead to welcoming the first tenants in the summer of 2028.
“St John’s Business Centre is an integral part of the skills and education campus which is a key strategic initiative in our Local Plan and also the Lancashire Combined County Authority’s Growth Plan.
“A grant of £4m from the Lancashire Combined County Authority has allowed us to accelerate progress.”
Tim Webber, chairman and managing director of Nelson-based Barnfield Construction, added: “We are extremely proud to have been appointed to deliver the transformation of St John’s Church into a vibrant new business hub for Blackburn.
“This is a landmark building with significant heritage value, and our team is committed to restoring it in a way that respects its historic character while creating high-quality, future-focused workspace.
“The development represents an important investment in the town’s digital and cyber economy.”
Since 2019 the Council has been working to bring the Grade II listed building back into use, securing planning permission in November 2023.
More than 9,500 square feet of high-specification flexible workspaces will be on offer to digital and cyber businesses to take advantage of opportunities linked to the National Cyber Force development at nearby Samlesbury Enterprise Zone.
Enabling works are expected to begin in March with the main works due to site in the summer with a scheduled completion in early 2028.
Dating back to 1787, the former church on Victoria Street, is a prominent building on the Blackburn town centre skyline, with its recognisable bell tower.
Livesey with Pleasington ward Conservative Cllr Derek Hardman, a former choirboy at the church, said: “It’s great to see the work to restore this historic church is finally happening.”