Barnfield appointed for Blackburn business centre

The former St John’s Church in Blackburn, gutted by fire in April 2019, is to be redeveloped as a business centre

The council has been working to bring the Grade II listed building back into use since its closure and secured planning permission in November 2023. It has agreed the appointment of Barnfield Construction as main contractor for the scheme.

The £8.5m redevelopment of St John’s will focus on digital and cyber technology businesses, forming a new creative hub with links to the Blackburn Skills Campus coming to the town centre. The plan is to leverage opportunities linked to the National Cyber Force development at nearby Samlesbury Enterprise Zone.

Manchester-based OMI Architects has created design proposals that create 9,500 sq ft of flexible workspace within the 239-year-old building.

Enabling works are expected to begin in March with the main works due to site in the summer and a scheduled completion in early 2028.

Tim Webber, chairman and managing director of Barnfield Construction, said: “We are extremely proud to have been appointed to deliver the transformation of St John’s Church into a vibrant new business hub for Blackburn.

“This is a landmark building with significant heritage value, and our team is committed to restoring it in a way that respects its historic character while creating high-quality, future-focused workspace. The development represents an important investment in the town’s digital and cyber economy, and we look forward to working closely with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and partners to bring this iconic building back into meaningful use for the benefit of the community and local businesses.”

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