Blackburn Cathedral Quarter plans revealed

Maple Grove Developments, part of Preston-based Eric Wright Group, has lodged a joint planning application with Blackburn Cathedral for the ambitious Blackburn Cathedral Quarter scheme. A decision on the application is anticipated by November.

The 118,000 sq ft development will comprise a hotel, 37,000 sq ft of offices, restaurants, shops, a new public square and bus interchange, and a clergy court which will house senior members of the clergy and lay staff adjacent to Blackburn Cathedral.

Maple Grove Developments is also in the final stages of negotiation with a national hotel chain which will operate the 60-bed, six storey hotel.

Andrew Dewhurst, director of Maple Grove Developments, said he hoped work would commence on the site in 2013 and will be completed by mid-2015.

Councillor Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said: “This is very exciting news for the whole borough. The development of the Cathedral Quarter is part of an ambitious 15 year vision which we have been determined to see become a reality.

“Despite cuts, the Council and its partners have worked hard to ensure that this £25m scheme still goes ahead. The development will bring much needed jobs to the town and will be an impressive addition to the town centre which has already seen a new shopping centre, new market and new Youth Zone. Together with the new bus station, this will completely transform an important part of the town centre and bring all the new developments together as one.”