Blackburn council to team up with Maple Grove to buy Thwaites site

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council will form a joint partnership with Maple Grove Developments to acquire the former Thwaites site in Blackburn town centre.

The seven-acre brownfield site was home to the iconic brewery until it relocated to new, purpose-built premises in 2018. The buildings have since been demolished, with the exception of the historic Fleece Pub, which the council plans to preserve.

The Maple Grove Joint Venture says the land will be suitable for a range of redevelopment options including land for new businesses, leisure or housing, and inward investment for the borough.

Cllr Riley, the Council’s Executive Member for Growth & Development, said: “This is great news for Blackburn Town Centre. The joint venture will ensure we can facilitate comprehensive development across the former Thwaites site and other council land assets.

"This plan also demonstrates the council’s strong commitment to brownfield regeneration and will also help us to preserve the historic Fleece Pub on the edge of the site. This project is crucial to the borough’s post-COVID recovery and I look forward to seeing it progress.”

Andrew Dewhurst, development director for Maple Grove, said: “We look forward to bringing our expertise to this flagship site. We have a longstanding relationship with the Council and are proud to be playing a part in attracting new opportunities to the area."

• For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.