Barnfield Blackburn, a collaborative effort between the Barnfield Group and Blackburn with Darwen Council, has put forth plans for the construction of a facility on a vacant five-acre plot located off Goose House Lane.
The design for this project has been undertaken by DAY Architectural, envisioning the creation of a manufacturing and research center alongside 10 smaller units, ultimately totaling 53,500 square feet on this greenfield site in Darwen.
At the heart of these proposals is an 11,700 square foot unit, which has generated significant interest from Sheffield University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. Advanced talks are in progress for the university to lease this space, intending to establish the first-of-its-kind additive manufacturing accelerator.
Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development and acquisition at Barnfield Group, expressed, “This is a prime location for a manufacturing development like this, and we are already engaging in initial discussions with the AMRC to be the anchor tenant there, should the plans be approved. It would be the first additive manufacturing accelerator of its kind in the UK, bringing with it a whole host of opportunities for the town.”
The proposed project also encompasses an additional 10 smaller units, varying in size from 2,600 square feet to 5,400 square feet.
For the convenience of staff and visitors, there are plans for a total of 68 parking spaces, including 13 for disabled individuals and 12 electric vehicle charging bays. Additionally, provisions are made for 20 bicycle and three motorcycle spaces.
Pending approval, construction work on this facility could commence as early as next year.
This endeavor is receiving support from the £100 million Darwen Town Deal.
Wayne Wild, the Chair of the Darwen Town Deal Board, stated, “Our vision has always been that we would use the £25 million of Government Town Deal funding – a total investment worth £100 million when combined with Council and private contributions – as a catalyst to jumpstart the transformation of the town.
“Our top priorities include employment growth and business innovation, utilizing the funding to safeguard and create new job opportunities in the town by investing in sites to prepare them for development.”
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and deputy chair of the Darwen Town Deal, further emphasized, “Our vision is driven by our commitment to enhance the lives of our residents – by creating a more prosperous borough where no one is left behind.
“Schemes like the proposed manufacturing research center open up new possibilities for Darwen, generating new jobs and supporting the growth of existing businesses,” he continued.
“There is a strong sense of momentum here, and we’re working diligently to build on it. These plans are yet another excellent example of the positive outcomes of effective partnership working and the confidence in Blackburn with Darwen as a place to invest and do business.”
On a neighboring site, Perspex International is also in the process of developing plans for a £30 million national manufacturing center with support from the Town Deal.
The project team responsible for Barnfield Blackburn’s scheme includes Adept Consulting Engineers, Mode Transport Planning, E3P, Groundshore Insights, RS Acoustic Engineering, and Capita.
If you wish to learn more about the project, you can search for application number 10/23/0732 on Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning portal.