Darwen’s Library Theatre renovation given almost £1million funding boost

Darwen’s Library Theatre renovation has been given an almost £1million boost by the government.

The £990,000 is from a new Arts Everywhere Fund and will enhance the multi-million pound refurbishment of the Knott Street venue and its associated library.

Planning permission has already been secured for the ambitious scheme.

This latest investment helping to deliver the finishing touches to the revamp which is part of the £20m plus Darwen Town Deal.

The new work it will pay for includes an upgraded bar area, brand new seating, improved lighting and rigging, and a new cinema-style set-up to  enhance its offer for audiences and performers alike.

Denise Park, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council which operates the venue, said: “For more than 25 years, Darwen Library Theatre has been a hugely popular venue – with both artists and audiences alike.

“Millions of pounds has already been committed through the Town Deal to for the town’s Carnegie library and the Library Theatre, so it’s fantastic that we’ve now secured a further £990,000 through the Arts Council’s Creative Foundations Fund – part of £1.5 billion pledged through the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund.

“Venues like Darwen Library Theatre are incredibly important to our communities and vital to the future success of our town centres.

“This investment will allow us to carry out the works needed to safeguard its future while further enhancing what’s on offer.”

Darwen Library Theatre hosts a packed programme of live music, comedy, variety and stage shows, alongside National Theatre Live screenings.

Barnfield Construction has recently been appointed as the contractor for the wider Darwen Town Deal investment in the town centre which includes the refurbishment of Darwen Market Hall.

Ms Park said: “Darwen is benefitting from significant investment, and the upgrades to Darwen Library and Library Theatre are a key part of that.

“We’re also progressing major refurbishment works at King George’s Hall too.

“Venues like these offer residents with the chance to enjoy live entertainment on their doorstep, often at the fraction of what it costs to travel to major cities, and they’re pivotal in helping to support town centre businesses too.

“This investment really will make a real difference to Darwen Library Theatre.”

Rossendale and Darwen MP Andy MacNae said: “Darwen Library Theatre is the heartbeat of our arts scene.

“It’s where big names like Paddy McGuinness have performed, where Darwen Live draws thousands of people every year, and where local drama groups, music organisations and dance schools call home.

“It belongs to this community, and it deserves this investment.”

Over the coming months, the theatre will welcome acts including 911, John Lydon and Matilda Jr as well as top national comedians Susan Calman, Mark Watson, and Rich Hall.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Cultural organisations across the North-West are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.

“Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations.”