Site Surveying Services supporting the transformation of Darwen’s heritage buildings

Darwen’s historic Market Hall and Grade II listed Library Theatre are central to one of the most ambitious regeneration programmes the town has ever seen.

As part of The Darwen Town Deal, these iconic buildings are undergoing major redevelopment, supported by a £90m investment package made up of £25m government funding and £65m raised by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

The planned transformation of the Library Theatre and Market Hall is a cornerstone of the £13.4m allocated to upgrade Darwen’s town centre.

Councillor Phil Riley said: "More investment in Darwen than we’ve seen in our lifetimes… a life-changing sum of money that will deliver real change to the town and create new opportunities for growth and jobs.”

At every stage of this multi-year, multi-phase redevelopment, Site Surveying Services (SSS) has been a trusted technical partner, providing the precise data and digital models required to guide design and decision-making.

Project Overview: Setting the Foundations (2022)

In 2022, Site Surveying Services was commissioned by Buttress to undertake a full suite of surveys across the Market Hall and Library Theatre.

These surveys were essential in supporting the early redevelopment and regeneration plans that later formed part of the successful Town Deal funding proposal.

Working across two sensitive heritage sites, our team delivered:

• Ground-based laser scanning
• Drone-aided scanning to capture upper-level and external features
• Integration with existing topographical information
• A detailed point-cloud dataset to inform early planning and feasibility
• This initial package provided the accurate baseline data needed to begin shaping the vision for the renewal of Darwen’s town centre.

The Darwen Town Deal: A Transformational Investment

The Darwen Town Deal brings together £25m of government funding with £65m on secured by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, creating a £90m programme supporting nine regeneration projects across the area.

Of this, £13.4m has been allocated specifically for the upgrade of Darwen town centre, including the Market Hall and Library Theatre.

Continued Engagement: Trusted to Deliver More (2024–2025)

Following the approval of initial redevelopment plans and confirmation of Town Deal funding, Site Surveying Services was re-engaged in 2024 and 2025 to expand our scope significantly.

• Our continued role included:
• Additional high-detail point cloud surveys
• Complete alignment with all 2022 data using consistent methodology
• Development of a full, highly detailed Building Information Model (BIM)
• Ongoing technical support for the refit and redevelopment phases

This repeat engagement demonstrates the confidence placed in our team and our ability to deliver consistent, reliable data through every phase of a complex heritage project.

Laser Scanning and BIM: The Backbone of the Design Process

The combination of ground and drone laser scanning provided a complete and highly precise digital record of the site, while the BIM model became a central tool in the redevelopment process.

The model supports: Architectural and engineering coordination, design visualisation, risk reduction and improved design certainty and planning and listed building consent applications. This digital foundation has been essential as the project moves into detailed design and delivery.

Youth Development: Inspiring Future Surveyors in Lancashire

One of the most meaningful aspects of this project has been the involvement of local T Level students, who joined our team on site throughout several phases of the surveying programme. 

Rather than observing from the sidelines, students were given the opportunity to experience live surveying techniques first-hand, assist with elements of data capture, understand how digital data shapes major construction projects amd work alongside experienced professionals in their chosen field

At a time when the construction, engineering and surveying sectors face skills shortages, Site Surveying Services recognises the importance of investing in young people. 

This project became a platform to demonstrate real career pathways in the North West, helping inspire students to pursue skilled, future-proof roles within the built environment. Most importantly, students were contributing to a major regeneration happening in their own town, seeing how their future profession can directly support and shape local heritage, culture and regeneration.

A Regeneration Built on Precision, Collaboration and Community Impact

From capturing the first scans in 2022 to supporting detailed modelling in 2025, Site Surveying Services has been a driving force behind the digital accuracy needed to transform Darwen’s Market Hall and Library Theatre.

But beyond the technical achievements, the project has also opened doors for local young people, helping inspire the next generation of surveyors, technologists and built environment professionals.

As Darwen moves confidently into its future, Site Surveying Services is proud to have provided the expertise, continuity and community investment that will help these historic assets thrive for decades to come.