Star Academies set to anchor £45m first phase of landmark Blackburn town centre scheme

Saturday, 7 March 2026 06:00

By Shaun Moore

Plans have been revealed for a new headquarters for Star Academies in Blackburn town centre.

The building would form the first phase of the proposed Star Square development – part of a wider regeneration masterplan.

The project represents around £45m of investment, with construction expected to begin in 2027.

Council leaders say the scheme will help attract investment and create a hub for education, research and innovation.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We are already incredibly proud that our borough is home to Star Academies, and the visionary work it delivers for children and young people, both here and across the country.

This marks an important next step – supporting the trust’s growth ambitions while helping to drive our wider plans for the town centre, bringing more people into the heart of Blackburn to strengthen both the daytime and evening economy.

This scheme is central to our £250m vision for the town centre and our wider £1bn ambition for Blackburn with Darwen and we have already secured £20m of Government funding to support delivery, alongside a further £2m from the Lancashire Combined County Authority.

This scheme will create an important hub for innovation, research and learning with real community benefit, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Star Academies and welcoming them to their new, state-of-the-art headquarters."