£1.3m investment to improve paths to Darwen’s beloved Jubilee Tower

A contractor is being sought for a £1.3m scheme to improve the paths leading up to Darwen’s much-loved Jubilee Tower.

The scheme is part of Destination Darwen – one of the key projects being delivered through the £100m Darwen Town Deal.

Shaped by feedback from residents, the improvements aim to strengthen the links between Darwen town centre, the parks and the West Pennine Moors, helping more people enjoy the town’s fantastic outdoor spaces.

Already all of the town centre car parks have been upgraded as part of the project – in anticipation of tens of millions of pounds of new investment for the town centre – and pedestrian routes have been improved, including new and improved crossings.

Just recently, a public consultation has also taken place around a proposed new landmark for the moors called ‘Curlew Calling,’ a project being driven by Darwen artist, Marjan Wouda.

The proposal is for a striking four-metre-high sculpture that would celebrate one of the most distinctive and increasingly threatened bird species on the moors.

And work with volunteers, including local Friends Groups, has also been undertaken to develop new masterplans for Whitehall, Bold Venture and Ashton Park as well as Sunnyhurst Woods.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Vice Chair of the Pride in Place Board, which is overseeing the Town Deal investment, said: ‘’We know just how much residents and visitors love Darwen’s rolling moors and the views from the much-loved Jubilee Tower.

‘’Residents have told us that they want to see investment in our parks and the paths leading up to the Tower, and through the Town Deal we’re working hard to deliver exactly that.

‘’It’s a partnership approach too involving those who know our parks and outdoor spaces better than anyone, including volunteers, the Friends Groups and the incredible team at Lords Hall.

‘’We all want to see the very best delivered for Darwen – we all want to make a real difference.

‘’Seeking a contractor is an important next step for the Destination Darwen works.

‘’This project is part of a much wider programme of investment in Darwen through the Town Deal and Pride in Place, including millions of pounds set aside for Darwen Market Hall, Darwen Library and the Library Theatre.

‘’These are huge projects that we are delivering with more funding than we’ve ever seen before for Darwen.’’

A report published last week sets out the next steps towards appointing a contractor for the scheme.

This set of planned works includes upgrading paths leading from the top of Bold Venture Park and Sunnyhurst Woods towards the Jubilee Tower and on to Roddlesworth.

Proposals also include a new culvert in Sunnyhurst Woods, improvements to the banks there and better drainage with work to clear the area already well under way.

The improvements aim to make the routes more accessible and enjoyable, helping residents and visitors explore Darwen’s parks and moorland and experience the town’s iconic landmark.

MP for Rossendale and Darwen, Andy MacNae said: ‘’The moors around Darwen are a fantastic asset which everyone should be able to enjoy and appreciate. Better paths mean more people getting outdoors, more visitors spending time in the town, and more reasons to be proud of where we live.

‘’I’m so glad that Town Deal funding was able to be used for this project – one that I know is important to Darreners.

‘’A big thank you too to the volunteers and Friends Groups whose work has shaped it. I’ll be keeping a close eye on progress as the contractor comes on board.’’

A brand-new Discover Darwen website has just launched too with new-look Discover Darwen Facebook and Instagram pages.

On the new website you can find full guides to Darwen, the town centre, the businesses here, places to eat and drink, the great outdoors, a rundown of what’s on and even a doggy guide to Darwen.

Check it out now at: www.discoverdarwen.co.uk