Proposals for the first stage of a major revamp of Darwen’s historic library and theatre are due for approval by councillors on Thursday. The borough council planning committee has been recommended to grant planning permission and listed building consent to the scheme to knock down decaying buildings at the back of the 117-year-old heritage Grade-II listed building which are a potential magnet for anti-social behaviour.

The scheme also involves moves to improve its links to the town centre, the Market Hall and Town Hall and will pave the way for future major improvement works to the library and associated theatre. The buildings upgrade is a key part of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s £6.64million regeneration of the town centre and market hall.

Last week the authority’s executive board approved the scrapping of plans for a golf academy and 50 flats in favour of using the £2.5m of Town Deal cash earmarked for the projects on the Darwen Market and Civic Quarter Development. The improvements to the Knott Street library complex are a key part of that scheme and their first phase will be debated when Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning committee meets on Thursday night.

A report to councillors says: “The proposals involve the demolition of a single-storey detached outbuilding and small brick outrigger attached to the Library Theatre. The existing fire escape would be removed with a new metal fire escape installed.
“The application site is connected to a Grade II listed building, which is located within Darwen Town Centre and the Darwen Town Centre Conservation Area.

“It predominantly does not form part of the listing for the Library Theatre. The proposed demolition works are required to facilitate a major revamp for the Library Theatre, which would bring about a multitude of public benefits.

“The proposals comprise of enabling works and are required to facilitate a larger development to revamp the Library Theatre, which will be the subject of future applications. The larger building was originally constructed for use as an electricity substation.

“No specific planning records exist for construction of the substation or small brick outrigger, which appears to have also been used for storage. The larger building appears to have been constructed in the 1960s with the smaller building appearing older than that.

“Given the style of the buildings, their loss would not lead to any adverse visual amenity complications. The same conclusion is also applicable when considering impacts on the conservation area.

“The Blackburn with Darwen heritage advisor has identified that the proposed demolition works would improve the character and appearance of the Library Theatre.”

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