Darwen civic revamp contract awarded to local firm

Nelson-based Barnfield Construction Ltd is to be appointed as main contractor for the multi-million pound Darwen Market Hall and Civic Quarter development project.

A focus of the scheme is the re-development of the Market Hall, and the replacement of the market car park, linked to major upgrades of Darwen Library and Theatre.

Works will also improve connected public realm and key gateways.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive board is set to meet on Thursday night to confirm Barnfield Construction as the project’s lead contractor, as part of a £6.64million upgrade of the  Victorian centre of the historic  town.

The scheme is part of the authority’s £100m Town Deal financed by the government, the authority’s own capital spending and linked private investment.

Borough growth boss Cllr Quesir Mahmood tells his senior colleagues in a report to the meeting: “Following the Darwen Town Deal update in February 2025 to executive board on progress with all projects within the agreed investment programme, there has been a strong focus on developing the design, procurement and delivery strategy of the Darwen Market and Civic Quarter Development.

“This project is the largest and most complex Town Deal project with its key focus on the redevelopment of the Market Hall, and replacement of the Market car park, linked to major upgrades of Darwen Library and Theatre (and both have Planning and Listed Building consent).

“Works will also improve connected public realm and key gateways as available funding allows.

“The procurement process is now complete and, after an eight-week bidding period, one final bid has been evaluated as compliant with the council’s requirements.

“The successful bidder is Barnfield Construction.

“It should be noted that the council is in regular contact with market traders on emerging proposals and timelines and has appointed additional expertise to support the market’s operations through the period, which will include temporary relocation when works are under way.

“Work on developing the business model to support future market operations is also under way.

“The report seeks approval to appoint the proposed main contractor Barnfield Construction, and progress the scheme design and delivery in what is a major milestone for the Darwen Town Deal Investment Programme.”