Barnfield advances work at Mill Bank

Barnfield, working with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, has commenced the next phase of work on its Mill Bank development.

The site is located on Greenbank Terrace/Milking Lane, off junction 4 M65, and was acquired by the partnership in 2019. It is earmarked for commercial and residential development.

This next phase of works will provide a new road through the site linking Greenbank Terrace and Milking Lane. The road will not only provide access to the future development plots for residential and commercial use, but also solve a bottle neck problem on Milking Lane.

Extensive works within the site are also planned to help alleviate flooding on Greenbank Terrace. Works commence this week and will be undertaken by main contractor, Barnfield Construction Ltd, it is envisaged that works will complete in March 2021.

The partnership is already talking to a number of established residential developers about the residential opportunity and have interest in the commercial development from local occupiers. The masterplan shows a range of commercial units from small starter units of 1,000 sq ft up to 40,000 sq ft. Trevor Dawson and Taylor Weaver have been appointed as joint agents for the commercial development.

The work is being undertaken by newly-formed Barnfield Blackburn and is its first project in collaboration with the council. The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership contributed £1.4m to the scheme through the Growth Deal Programme.

Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development and acquisition at Barnfield Group, said: "It was clearly evident when we acquired the site that firstly, we needed to address the two derelict office buildings which had laid dormant for many years. Since their demolition in 2019, the partnership have been busy behind the scenes, working with planning, highways and the environment agency, to overcome a number of challenging issues. #

"Having gained planning earlier this year for the link road and uses across the development plots, we are delighted to be back on site.”

Simon Jones, Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "It is a pleasure to be involved in the development. As a council we have played a major part in the design of the new link road and overcoming the challenges due to the topography of the land. The proposals put forward will also alleviate the flooding on Greenbank Terrace which has been a problem for the area for many years."