Ceremony marks key milestone in Victoria Building refurb

The Victoria Building's restoration reached another significant milestone, marking the completion of the highest point in its refurbishment with a celebratory ceremony.

The transformation is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Education (DfE), BAM UK & Ireland and Mott MacDonald, revitalising the landmark building, part of Blackburn College, enhancing its role in the heart of Blackburn’s Learning Quarter.

 The event highlighted the progress of the multi-million-pound investment, aimed at preserving the building’s historic character while equipping it with state-of-the-art facilities.

When completed, the revitalised Victoria Building will serve as a hub for education, innovation, and community engagement.

Its redevelopment is a crucial step in Blackburn College’s ongoing efforts to support learners, businesses, and the wider community.

The project has also been giving Blackburn College students real-world insight into industry practices and the importance of collaboration in major transformative work.

Highlights on the day of the ceremony included a guided tour for construction students, and a post-climb afternoon tea for the event attendees, expertly crafted by catering and hospitality students at the College’s top-rated Scholars Restaurant.

Dr Fazal Dad, principal and chief executive of Blackburn College, said: “The Victoria Building holds immense significance for both Blackburn College and our local community. This project is about more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about preserving heritage, creating opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of learners and professionals.

“We are proud to work alongside the Department for Education, BAM, and Mott MacDonald to bring this vision to life.”

The Department for Education’s involvement underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure across the UK. Through strategic investments like this, the DfE aims to support lifelong learning, drive innovation, and strengthen the economic potential of regions like Blackburn with Darwen.

The Victoria Building, originally constructed in 1888, is a landmark in Blackburn and a symbol of the town’s educational and cultural legacy.

The refurbishment project is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Blackburn College serves over 6,000 students annually, offering a diverse range of academic and vocational programmes.

It comes after earlier this year, Lancashire Business View reported that the Grade-II listed building and its distinctive features would externally be restored to their former glory, while the inside will be completely renovated to blend old with new.

It included reinstating some of the original floor plans to create spacious classrooms and meeting areas, and a restoration of the wood-panelled headmaster’s office on the ground floor which will be available for hire.