Morgan Sindall completes work at first phase of Accrington Town Square regeneration

Morgan Sindall Construction’s North West team has handed over its work on the first phase of the regeneration of Accrington Town Square. 

Hyndburn Borough Council (HBC)’s regeneration plans include the transformation of the existing Market Hall into a vibrant food and drink destination alongside traditional market stalls and new leisure offering, the conversion of Burton Chambers into a modern co-working space and preparing the Market Chambers building for future transformation into a cultural and heritage venue.  

As part of the regeneration project at Accrington Town Square, Morgan Sindall delivered a comprehensive package of demolition and restoration works.

These included stonework repairs and cleaning to restore the building façades, as well as roof repairs to ensure both buildings were fully watertight. The project also involved the safe removal of asbestos and a full strip-out of internal spaces preparing them for second phase fit-out work. 

Significant enhancements were made to Burton Chambers, upgrading the envelope with the installation of new windows, doors, and curtain walling.

Additional improvements encompassed upgraded power connections and essential basement repairs, contributing to the overall modernisation and safety of the building for the future internal fit-out works. 

Morgan Sindall has delivered its work for HBC along with project partners AEW Architects, MAC Construction Consultants, Hive Projects, Rider Levett Bucknall and Morgan Sindall’s specialised supply chain. 

Funding for this project was secured through a successful bid for £20m to the Levelling Up Fund (LUF), with additional matching contributions of £1.5m from Hyndburn Borough Council and £1.5m from Lancashire County Council. 

The project has been accelerated through the SCAPE Construction Framework, a Gold Standard accredited framework designed to drive collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings on construction projects.  

Throughout delivery, Morgan Sindall maximised the usage of local and specialised supply chain partners and labour to deliver the works along with delivering on its own responsible business commitments and generating positive social value impact in the area. 

Steven Gregory, North West area director, Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Regeneration schemes such as Accrington Town Square are breathing new life into historic towns and neighbourhoods across the UK. We’re proud to have delivered significant and much needed restoration works on the first phase of project which are all aimed at preserving the character of the buildings while making them safe, modern and fit for the future. We look forward to seeing how the project progresses from here.” 

Coun Pritchard, portfolio holder for transformation and town centres said: “The Accrington Town Square projects were always going to be a complex undertaking, not least because of the challenges that come with working on listed buildings in a live environment. From the outset, Morgan Sindall’s team approached the work with a positive spirit - engaging openly with the Council and other stakeholders to navigate the constraints and sensitivities of the site. 

“I want to acknowledge the professionalism and commitment shown by the Morgan Sindall team. Clearly, they understood how important these projects are to the people of Accrington, as this came through in the way they delivered the phase one works: with care and respect.” 

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “This ambitious, large-scale project is set to transform and revitalise three historic buildings, and we’re proud to have worked in close collaboration with Morgan Sindall throughout their role in the initial stages of the project’s journey, delivering cost and time efficient support.

"When complete, this square will become a standout visitor destination, which will boost the local economy, create new jobs, and provide a space the local community of Accrington can enjoy for years to come.”