A digger became stuck in rubble on Thursday during the demolition of the former Thwaites visitor centre on Penny Street, which is situated right next to the old Star Brewery off Barbara Castle Way. The sight of the digger caught the attention of passers-by, who were visibly surprised and concerned to see the construction machinery trapped amid the debris, as the building was finally being brought down. The current owner of the property, Monte Blackburn Ltd, a venture associated with the Issa brothers, found itself in the media spotlight due to this unexpected incident.
As the digger stood precariously in the rubble, observers expressed their concern for the operator inside. One shopper, who witnessed the scene unfold, remarked, “It looks like it got into a bit of trouble in the rubble. I hope whoever was operating it is okay. I remember this building well, but if it wasn’t being put to any use, it might as well be knocked down. Hopefully, this will be the start of some new buildings taking over here.” These reflections highlighted a mixture of nostalgia and hope among locals, as the visitor centre had been a recognizable landmark in the community for quite some time. For many, it served as a reminder of local history and a beacon of community engagement, illustrating the complex relationship residents have with their local architecture.
Fortunately, reports indicate that efforts to free the digger from the debris were successful that same Thursday night, and in an unexpected twist, the machine emerged without any damage. As this incident unfolded, it quickly became clear that no injuries were reported either, which relieved those witnessing the event. By Friday morning, demolition efforts resumed according to plan, allowing workers to continue dismantling the building without further incident. One source familiar with the situation expressed a reassuring sentiment saying, “I think it looked worse than it was,” suggesting that despite the dramatic imagery captured by bystanders, the situation had indeed been managed quickly and efficiently.
The former visitor centre had a storied past, previously serving as a temporary home for Blackburn’s Bureau Centre for the Arts for five years. This relocation occurred after the bureau was forced to move due to a devastating fire that engulfed the historic Church of St. John the Evangelist in April 2019. This shift not only provided a necessary reprieve for the arts community but also signified the resilience of local cultural initiatives during challenging times. The Bureau had been a vital part of the town’s artistic landscape, offering a range of community programs, events, and exhibitions that enriched the cultural fabric of Blackburn. The transition to the visitor centre provided a platform for the arts to continue thriving, drawing in community members and fostering creativity in a space that was not originally intended for that purpose.
In recent months, the Bureau Centre for the Arts has moved again to a more permanent home at the former Lewis Textile Museum on Exchange Street, conveniently located next to Blackburn Town Hall. This new location allows the Bureau to harness its vision fully without being tied to the constraints of a temporary space. The move also emphasizes an exciting shift toward establishing dedicated cultural hubs within the town that highlight Blackburn’s rich industrial heritage. With its focus on arts and community outreach, the new site is expected to attract more visitors and engage a broader audience.
Earlier this year, in a bid to ensure that the site no longer promoted any anti-social behavior, Monte Blackburn Ltd took proactive steps by applying to Blackburn with Darwen Council for prior approval to demolish the C-shaped art centre building, along with the hardstanding and pathways surrounding it. The application explicitly indicated that the primary motivation behind the demolition was to prevent the potential for anti-social activities at the site. This proactive measure reflects a broader social responsibility taken by property developers and owners to address community concerns regarding safety and well-being.
However, the decision to demolish the building has not been without its controversies. While some locals expressed relief at the prospect of new developments taking its place, others voiced their sadness at the loss of a familiar structure. Indeed, the emotional landscape surrounding the demolition illustrates the complexities of urban development: the tension between preserving history and embracing change. For many residents, the visitor centre was a reminder of past community events and a space that had been integral to celebrating local culture. The transition to new developments, albeit necessary, comes with a bittersweet feeling of nostalgia.
As of now, Monte Blackburn Ltd has not disclosed any plans for the future of the site, leaving residents eager for updates. The community has been left guessing what the future holds, and discussions around potential developments have sparked conversations about the kind of amenities the area could benefit from in the near future. Mixed-use developments that combine residential and commercial spaces are often seen as an ideal solution to improve local economies while fostering community engagement. With the growing population of Blackburn and a renewed interest in the town’s development, there is hope that the new plans will cater to local needs while attracting investment and tourism.
The incident with the digger has since attracted media attention, and both Monte Blackburn Ltd and Blackburn with Darwen Council have declined to comment on the situation surrounding the digger. The former owners of the visitor centre, Thwaites, have also been approached for statements, but there have been no public responses as of yet. This silence has only added to the sense of intrigue around the redevelopment project.
The former visitor centre is strategically located on the edge of the Thwaites brewery site, which has been earmarked for redevelopment as part of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s ambitious £250 million ten-year masterplan for the town centre, unveiled in December 2021. This plan aims to revitalize the area, fostering new developments, improving infrastructure, enhancing public spaces, and attracting investment while prioritizing community well-being and economic growth. The overarching goal is to transform Blackburn into a vibrant hub that encourages both local engagement and outside interest.
Long-term plans for the redevelopment of the area around the brewery site are seen as an essential part of the council’s efforts to reposition Blackburn in the regional and national context. The masterplan focuses on sustainable developments that align with modern urban design principles, aiming to improve the quality of life for residents while making the town an attractive destination for visitors. This vision includes not only new housing and commercial developments but also the integration of public parks, pedestrian-friendly spaces, and cultural venues that celebrate the local history and community spirit.
In light of recent events, it remains to be seen how the community will react to the transformation taking place in Blackburn. The balletic dance of demolition and construction brings with it a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The prospect of new ventures arriving in what was once a neglected area provides solace and optimism for many. As the dust settled from the demolition of the visitor centre and the story of the trapped digger faded into the background, the collective gaze shifted toward the future, eager to see what new buildings would rise in its place.
In conclusion, while the demolition of the former Thwaites visitor centre may represent the end of an era, it simultaneously opens the door to new beginnings. Communities often find solace in the prospect of change, as they look forward to developments that honor their past while also paving the way for future growth. With the council’s ambitious masterplan in motion, coupled with the resiliency of local businesses and organizations, Blackburn stands at the cusp of transformation, eager to embrace what lies ahead. The anticipation of a revitalized town center, one that reflects both the rich heritage and the aspirations of its residents, is undeniably palpable. As the area evolves, it will undoubtedly continue to face challenges and benefits that come with urban development, shaping the narrative of Blackburn for generations to come.