Preferred bidder emerges for Blackburn’s £45m regen scheme

Construction giant Kier is set to be appointed as the contractor for Blackburn’s landmark Star Square development – part of the largest town centre regeneration scheme of its kind in Lancashire.

The construction, infrastructure and property development group has emerged as the preferred bidder to deliver the £45m scheme in the heart of Blackburn town centre.

The first phase of development will include construction of the first of four planned buildings alongside a new ‘pocket park’ on part of the existing Brown Street car park.

The project will be anchored by Star Academies, which will relocate its headquarters and National Institute of Teaching to 1 Star Square.

There, the building will serve as a hub for educational leadership, training and innovation, creating a focal point for knowledge, research and economic growth in the town centre.

The development is backed by £20m of government funding, alongside investment from Star Academies, Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Lancashire Combined County Authority.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and its executive member for growth and development, said: “Star Square is one of the most significant regeneration schemes currently being developed in Lancashire and it’s a key part of our £250m vision for Blackburn town centre.

“We worked incredibly hard to secure the £20m of government funding needed to help support the scheme, complemented by a further £2m investment from the Lancashire Combined County Authority, helping us bring forward a development that will transform this landmark site.

“This investment sits alongside a number of our major projects already under way in Blackburn, including restoration work at the former St John’s Church to create a new

business innovation hub, the multi-million-pound transformation of King George’s Hall and the creation of our new Cultural Quarter.”

“The Star Square development will provide a new national headquarters for Star Academies – an organisation recognised across the country for educational excellence – while creating a destination that will attract more people into the town centre, strengthening the local economy and supporting future growth.

“Reaching this milestone in appointing Kier is a major step forward and we look forward to working together to deliver a development that will bring lasting benefits for our residents, businesses and communities.”

Star Academies is a mixed Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) that runs a diverse network of primary and secondary schools across England and is nationally recognised for its high-performing schools and sector-leading initiatives, including its role as a founding trust of the National Institute of Teaching.

Currently based on Shadsworth Road in Blackburn, the trust’s new purpose-built headquarters will act as a national centre for educational leadership, professional development and teacher training.

Kam Kothia, who chairs Star Academies, said: “The first phase of Star Square represents far more than a new headquarters – it marks the beginning of an inspiring new era for our organisation and for the communities we serve.

“This transformational development will play a central role in the wider Star Square vision: a vibrant hub for knowledge, research, innovation and economic renewal.

“Our new home at 1 Star Square will provide a modern, purpose‑built environment – a place designed to elevate our mission and expand the impact we have on young lives for decades to come.

“Alongside housing our central team, the building will serve as a flagship professional development and research centre, including the National Institute of Teaching’s North and West Campus and its headquarters.”

Proposals for 1 Star Square include a 200-seat lecture theatre, training facilities, flexible workspaces, meeting rooms and a recording studio, with an updated planning application due to be submitted in the coming months.

Preparatory works are already progressing on site, with highway improvement works now complete and drainage diversion works expected to conclude by the end of the year.

Subject to final approvals, main construction works could begin as early as spring 2027.