Demolition work has commenced at Darwen Youth Centre as part of a multi-million-pound redevelopment that will significantly expand and enhance the facility.

Bolton-based contractor Seddon is delivering the project, which will see the centre on Gary Aspden Way double in size, adding a new first floor. The revamped youth hub will feature a creative workshop space, a recording and DJ studio, a gaming zone, multi-use spaces and upgraded outdoor sports facilities. These improvements are designed to provide young people in Darwen with safe, engaging, and interactive spaces.

The Darwen Youth Centre redevelopment is part of a broader initiative funded by over £8m from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund, alongside additional local authority investment. This is one of five projects benefiting from this funding across the borough.

-- Advertisement --

Councillor Julie Gunn, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Children, Young People, and Education, said: "We are absolutely determined that our young people should have access to the very best facilities we can provide, and it’s exciting to see this work at Darwen Youth Centre get underway. Our teams worked incredibly hard to secure the new funding from Government, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to double the size of the youth centre with extra investment committed by the council too."

Seddon has already cleared and secured the site in preparation for demolition. Initial plans had hoped to preserve part of the existing building, but detailed surveys revealed the foundations could not support the planned expansion.

Pete McKinley, Commercial Director at Seddon Property Services, said: "We are delighted to have started work in Darwen. The scheme has been a dream of the Council for a long time, and we’re proud to be helping them transform the site at the heart of Darwen town centre. The new building will provide much-needed space for the town’s younger population and will have a positive impact on the next generations for years to come."

The project is part of a larger regeneration effort in Darwen town centre. Additional investments, including funding through the Darwen Town Deal and the new Government-backed Plan for Neighbourhoods, will benefit local landmarks such as Darwen Market, Darwen Library, and Darwen Library Theatre. In total, £25m is set to be invested in Darwen's town centre.