STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN - Blackburn with Darwen local plan 2/4.07 Darwen Town... · strategy and...

STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN

2013 2018

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4.07

Forewords

Darwen Town Centre is an important service centre in the borough for retail, leisure and cultural activities, employment and community services. Darwen retains much of its Victorian heritage and the town centre showcases architectural detail of the highest quality. The town centre environment is further enhanced by its valley setting with parks leading up the hillside to the surrounding moorland. However it is the people of Darwen who make the town centre an excellent place to live, work, visit or travel through.

Darwen Town Centre has experienced significant change and investment in recent years with key projects such as the Townscape Heritage Initiative preserving and restoring Darwen’s Victorian heritage, while the new Leisure Centre, Health Centre and Academy bring Darwen into the 21st Century ensuring the highest quality services are available.

Darwen has seen massive investment and change during the lifetime of the previous strategy and the challenge of the future will be to bring all sectors of the community together to forge stronger relationships and discover new ways to maintain quality in difficult times.

This strategy sets out to do this with a clear vision formed from Darwen’s achievements and qualities to ensure that residents and businesses in Darwen can look forward to a future where the health of the town centre goes from strength to strength; providing access to high quality retail and services and where heritage is protected and cherished.

Darwen Town Centre has remained competitive during some of the toughest economic times for businesses and town centres. This strategy reflects such challenging times with a stronger focus on employment and business with a call for closer partnership working. Darwen prides itself on its sense of community and more than ever the support of Darwen people is needed to drive the town centre forward.”

Councillor Kate Hollern Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Councillor Eileen Entwistle MBE, JPMayor of Darwen Town CouncilChair of Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board

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Darwen'sS U CC E SS STO RY

Major physical regeneration over the last eight years has seen a dramatic and positive change in Darwen town centre. ‘Darwen Town Centre - A strategy for Improvement and Investment (2004 – 2010)’ focused the delivery of this regeneration and has helped to improve both the quality and off er of the town

centre to its residents and visitors. Major capital investment has resulted in improvements to the environment, highways, transport, education, housing, health and leisure. Smaller, but equally signifi cant projects have helped to improve community involvement, raise civic pride and nurture local entrepreneurialism.

As a result, despite the current economic climate, Darwen town centre’s economy is relatively healthy, its community and culture is thriving, its streets are increasingly safe, vibrant and attractive and there is a real sense of optimism for the future.

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Leisure Centre

Holy TrinityPrimary School

BelgraveChapel

BelgraveHousing

Academy

Job CentrePlus

MentalHealth

ResourceCentre

DarwenAccessPoint

AmbulanceStation

RobinBank

ShoreyBank

DerwentHall

The JamesStreet

Project DevelopmentSite

Asda

Boots

LateShop

WellingtonFold

PostOffice

Knott StreetYouth Centre

PlayArea

Old TechnicalCollege

Willow Gardens

BUSSTATION

MARKETSQUARE

TramShelters

MARKETHALL

& TOWNHALL

Church

Lidl

PembrokeCourt

HindleCourt

HACKING ST

WILLIAM ST

BANK BOTTOM

BELGRAVE SQUARE

VICTORIA STREET

BANK STREET

CHURCH TERRACE

SOUTH STREET

ENTWISTLE STREET

GREEN STREET EAST

NANCY STREET

JOSEPH STREET

HIGHER CHURCH ST

HIGHER SOUTH ST

SCHOOL ST

ROBIN BANK RO

AD

ATLAS ROAD

SUDELL ROAD

HARDMAN WAY

TOCKHOLES ROAD

CHURCH BANK ST

REDEARTH ROAD

BRIDGE ST

RAIL

WAY

ROA

DCROWN ST

New HealthCentre

India Mill Complex

TOW

ER W

ALK

Sudell Ward

Sunnyhurst Ward

St.Peter’sChurch

SAINSBURYS

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Residential

CommunityFacilities

Landscaping/Parks/Open Space

Industrial/Employment

Retail/Commercial

Leisure

River

ImportantFootways

KEY Feb / March 2013

PrimaryBus Routes

Quality HeritageBuildings

Education DevelopmentOpportunitiesCar ParksPRetail Core

Residential

CommunityFacilities

Landscaping/Parks/Open Space

Industrial/Employment

Retail/Commercial

Leisure

River

ImportantFootways

KEYPrimaryBus Routes

Quality HeritageBuildings

Education DevelopmentOpportunitiesCar ParksPRetail Core

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M A j O R AC H I E V E M E N TS

DarwEn HEaltH CEntrE, major redevelopment resulted in the provision of a new £7.3 million Primary Care Trust Health Centre servicing the local community and wider rural hinterlands. Opened 2006.

DarwEn lEisurE CEntrE, a £12.7million three storey state of the art leisure complex which boasts an eight lane swimming pool, fitness studio, multi-use sports hall and activity rooms.

DarwEn alDriDgE Community aCaDEmy, a new £48 million school catering for 1600 students in the heart of the town centre. Opened in September 2010 with state of the art facilities and Sixth Form provision.

willow garDEns, union strEEt supportED Housing DEvElopmEnt, onsite to complete 50 flats for older people, managed by Twin Valley Homes.

loCal transport improvEmEnt, a multi modal transport study of the A666 corridor between Blackburn and Bolton was undertaken, resulting in a £2 million investment and improvement programme to Darwen’s highways.

DarwEn youtH CEntrE, a £400,000 youth centre offering at Knott Street offering an IT Suite, all weather pitch and dance studio. Programmes now run every day for young people aged 13 to 16.

DarwEn town CEntrE ConsErvation arEa, now expanded to include much more of the town centre and its surroundings, helping to conserve it’s historic fabric and character.

st pEtEr’s strEEt arEa Housing improvEmEnts, a major facelift scheme to 203 stones houses in this important heritage area. Funded by Elevate and the Council’s Housing Market Renewal Programme.

tHE JamEs strEEt proJECt, supported housing project which provides homeless people with help to move on to independent living, as well as access to employment, education and health services.

town CEntrE CarEtaKErs, over the last few years Darwen has benefited from Town Centre Caretakers dedicated to ensuring the town centre environment is clean, tidy and welcoming to visitors, looking after floral displays and undertaking day to day maintenance jobs.

BElgravE Housing DEvElopmEnt, a £30 million redevelopment of the old Belgrave Mill site on Bolton Road. The development provides a mix of apartments, family and town houses. Development partially complete.

DarwEn townsCapE HEritagE initiativE (tHi), since 2006, 29 historic properties have been renovated to English Heritage specifications funded jointly by the Heritage Lottery (£2million), the Council and private investment. This has made a massive visual impact on the town centre, as well as ensuring

DarwEn marKEt squarE, £450,000 invested in improvements to the Market Square to create an attractive civic square used for events and activities.

supporting small rEtail BusinEssEs, a number of property renovation projects funded by the Townscape Heritage Initiative have successfully brought vacant units back into use. The creation of smaller units to the front of the Town Hall and in the old Tram Shelters on Bolton Road have provided opportunities for start up and small businesses.

the future of some of the town’s most significant historical assets and preserving it’s local character. Some of Darwen’s key historic buildings have benefitted from the scheme, including Darwen Town Hall and Market, Holker House, Belgrave Chapel, the former Tram Shelters, 3 Foundry Street, 25 Railway Road and 2-4 Knott Street.

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railway station improvEmEnts, £400,000 joint investment from the Council and Network Rail has delivered improved access, new shelters ad new customer services. Recently nominated for a national award from the Association of Community Rail Partnerships.

improvED visitor information, new town centre signage and maps, the Town Council’s ‘Welcome to Darwen’ signs, development of a dedicated Darwen section on the official Visit Blackburn and Darwen website, partnership working with Marketing Lancashire (Tourist Board) and development of the West Pennine Moors attraction with LCC and other partners have all helped to improve visitor information and to encourage more visits.

rivEr DarwEn, as part of a much larger project by the Environment Agency, 117 meter culvert covering the River Darwen at Shorey Bank was removed and river sides shaped to help re-establish habitat for wildlife and enable fishing. The works also considerably reduced the flood risk to 120 properties.

aCCEssiBlE CounCil sErviCEs, a One Stop Shop is now available Monday to Friday at Darwen Town Hall reception.

loCal involvEmEnt, there are now a number of successful community groups that support local involvement in the town centre and surrounding communities – Neighbourhood Ward Solutions, Community Associations, Community crime and safety groups, Employers Forum, Prosperous Group, Bar U and Darwen Shop and Business Association.

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town CEntrE EvEnts, a successful and varied events programme is now firm established on the local and regional calendar. Voluntary and community led, annual favourites include Darwen Music Live, Darwen Pedal Car Grand Prix, Darwen 1940’s Day, Darwen Day, Darwen Gala and Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On.

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M OV I N G FO R W A R D – A N U P DAT E D ST RAT E G Y FO R 2 0 1 3 - 1 8

The main focus of recent regeneration in Darwen Town Centre has been around capital and physical improvement driven by massive public funding and private sector investments. On evaluating the strategy, it is clear that a significant number of activities and actions originally set out have been successfully delivered.

While there is still opportunity for further improvement through physical development, going forward work now needs to focus more heavily on supporting businesses, improving the town centre offer, attracting and retaining customers, and making the most of the quality assets that Darwen has. Better partnership working, community engagement, and a stronger more coordinated approach to marketing are also priorities going forward. The current economic climate has increased the importance of developing strong links with local employers and understanding and supporting their growth is an essential part of keeping Darwen prosperous.

This updated strategy has been led by the Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board and is the result of over a years worth of review, research and consultation with stakeholders, businesses, residents and visitor.

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1 BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN CORE STRATEGY, PART OF THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (LDF)

This document sets out in Foward Planning terms, key priorities for the town’s growth and future sustainability. The priorities include:– Reinforcing Darwen’s role as a “market town”– Reversing the loss of market share in comparison shopping– Bring more employment into the town centre – Making the most of the ‘facilities offer’– Maintaining quality of place in terms of Darwen’s heritage asset and

the design of new development– Improving access to work through education and training– Importance of the ‘Green Infrastructure’ such as Darwen’s parks and

links to the open countryside

R E S E A R C H A N D CO N S U LTAT I O N

2 TOWN CENTRE HEALTH CHECK 2009 (WITH UPDATED BUSINESS AND CUSTOMER SURVEY 2011)

This standard study helps to establish the relative health of the town centre in economic terms and highlight areas where the town is doing well or falls short in comparison to national benchmarks.

Key findings of the most recent Health Check and subsequent update from Business and Customer Surveys indicate that contrary to the national picture, Darwen appears vibrant and busy. The number of vacant properties has risen recently, but this is in line with the national average as a result of the economic downturn. The majority of businesses in the town centre rate trade as moderate but there is a clear trend for growth and expansion rather than contraction and an enthusiasm to get more involved in the town centre promotions.

On the down side, shoppers mainly use the town centre for food and convenience and the town is not attracting customers from areas outside of the local BB3 postcode. The town’s wider retail offer does not meet the aspirations of users and gaps in fashion and footwear, as well as the overall quality of retail offer are problematic. The town’s leisure provision is excellent, but is not being utilised by a broad section of the community and could do better.

Both cleanliness and maintenance standards are good and although statistics from Lancashire Constabulary show the town to have very good safety standards in both the day and evening, the Health Check shows that perception of night-time safety is still poor. Perception of parking provision and public transport is perceived as good.

Seven key areas of review, research and consultation provided the framework for this new strategy and helped identify its key themes, objectives and priority actions.

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3 VISION 2030

The Vision 2030 for Blackburn and Darwen sets out a long term vision for the borough and was developed in consultation with local people through workshops and community consultation. Specifically for Drawen, it identifies a need for the town centre to be safer, cleaner and greener, for better partnership working, a desire for more events, an improved youth offer, support for local enterprise and more creative ways to raise local aspirations and enable local people to access jobs.

Darwen’s strong community spirit and good facilities are identified as key strengths but better partnership working and promotion is needed to improve trade.

Darwen is seen by residents as a special, unique place with an individual offer. Improving schools, access to countryside and low property prices make Darwen is an attractive place to live but development of the town’s image is needed to reflect this.

4 BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT REVIEW

A review of the towns business make-up and employment highlighted the strength of Darwen’s manufacturing and small business base, but also underlines the skills gap among residents which often prevents local people accessing the jobs that are available.

Darwen’s employment is heavily reliant on manufacturing (35% of local employment*) and research shows that although the sector nationally is in decline, Darwen companies are still recruiting for a range of manual and professional jobs.

After manufacturing, the next largest sectors in Darwen are Health (9%*), Information and Communication (8%*), Retail (8%*) and Education (7%*). The banking and finance sector also play a significant role in Darwen’s employment.

Darwen has a greater proportion of employment in the construction and hotel and restaurants sectors than Blackburn does. Just 4.9% of businesses in Darwen are classed as public sector.

Darwen has a large proportion of smaller businesses with 66.5% employing just 1 to 4 people*. The number of businesses has declined slightly in total since 2008, but businesses employing 20 or more people, has increased.

The average weekly income in Darwen (from the middle super output areas*) ranges from £510 to £590 which compares favourably to the national average.

* Statistics for Darwen which is classified as the wards of

Earcroft, Marsh House, Sudell, Sunnyhurst and Whitehall.

5 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

Consultation with town centre stakeholders including major venues and leisure attractions, retailers and businesses, education, housing and other service providers identified the need to improve relationships between town centre assets and encourage closer partnerships. It also highlighted a number of opportunities that could be better exploited through joint working.

6 PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Public consultation on a series of draft proposals took place over a number of months in 2011 and 2012. These produced overwhelming support for the key themes identified and enthusiasm for further community involvement in delivery of the strategy and future development of the town centre. Particular concerns were raised around the negative impact of empty or poorly maintained properties, with a guidance booklet suggested as a possible solution, informing property owners and tenants on maintenance and cleanliness. The lack of retail offer was also of particular concern with demand for more fashion stores in the town.

The Market, leisure centre, theatre, restaurants and night time offer were all seen as positive assets that should be exploited through co-ordinated activities and marketing. Development of existing town centre events, facilities and attractions and improved links to the surrounding countryside were popular suggestions for improvement.

7 NATIONAL TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICE REVIEW

The general decline of high streets and the need for town centres to change is currently the subject of significant national debate. Numerous papers have been produce in the last few years which have analysed the likely cause of this, made recommendations for improvement and set out guidelines for best practice in addressing the issues. In December 2011, the Government responded to national concern about the future of out towns and cities with the ‘Portas Review - An independent Review into the Future of our High Streets’ which set out a number of key recommendations including the importance of town centre management, free parking, clean environment, traditional markets and opportunities for small business start ups.

This national guidance has been reviewed as part of the strategy development and has informed many of the priority actions identified for the next 1-3 year.

Other national trends that have been identified and taken into consideration include:– General decline in the amount of time spent shopping– Growth of online shopping– Increased need for convenience– Experience revolution -

importance of the total visitor experience rather than just shopping– Demand for larger units for high street brands– Predicted 20% contraction in high street retail– Small retail rents not competitive with larger out of town units– Limited developments due to economic climate– Reduction in public funding available for regeneration and development– Importance of entertainment and growth of eating out, despite recession– Increasing role of cultural assets and facilities– Continued expansion of convenience shopping (supermarkets)

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N E W P R I O R I T I E S

As a result of the research and consultation, a clear set of priorities emerged. The new priorities for Darwen were grouped into six themes:

A number of key objective have been identified for each theme, along with a series of priority actions which would help achieve them.

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Some of the actions have a clear lead partner in ownership and delivery responsibility, but some do not and are proposed as project goals.

1 MaRKeT Town IdenTITy

2 QualITy of PlaCe

3 ReTaIl

4 eMPloyMenT

5 CULTURE

6 GReen and SuSTaInaBle

1 . M A R K E T TOW N I D E N T I TY

Darwen Town Centre currently fulfils a traditional market town role providing small scale retail offer, leisure and community services. The recent improvements to local housing, education, health provision and the historic environment have strengthened Darwen’s appeal as an attractive place. This, combined with the quality of life to be gained from its semi-rural location, good cultural offer and strong community, means that Darwen now has the potential to become an increasingly desirable place to be for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Darwen has much to offer and by making the most of its USPs, the town has the opportunity to enhance and strengthen its attractive Market Town identity, to fully compete with surrounding towns and secure a prosperous and long term future.

Darwen is quirky whilst cultured, diverse yet inclusive and vibrant in a uniquely Darwen way. With a thriving Market at its heart, a strong community spirit and bursting with tradition and heritage, we want to play to the town’s strengths and...– Further establish Darwen as a

Market Town– Develop Darwen as a visitor

destination– Support and encourage

community and voluntary groups to enable them to thrive

– Preserve, promote and celebrate Darwen’s history and heritage

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M A R K E T TOW N I D E N T I TY P R I O R I TY ACT I O N S

REF ACTION TIMESCALE LEAD FUNDING STATUS

Objective 1: Further establish Darwen as a Market Town1.1 Focus marketing and promotional activities

around Darwen’s Unique Selling Points: it’s Market, heritage, culture, community spirit and local shopping, food and leisure

Short All partners

1.2 Develop a unique brand for Darwen to reflect Darwen's USPs

Short Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board

Project recommended for High Street Innovation Fund

Partnership agreed action as a priority for HSIF

1.3 Establish a darwen newsletter to promote news, events and community activities

Medium Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board, Darwen Town Council

Pennine Lancashire Youth Enterprise Fund long term self sustaining

Being developed

Objective 2: Develop Darwen as visitor destination2.1 Tap into key visitor markets by developing

opportunities that link the town centre with the surrounding countryside, walking, riding, fishing and quality accommodation

Short to medium Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board

2.2 Improve Visitor Information in the town centre (including noticed boards, displays and leaflets racks) as well as at local hotels and popular visitor attractions

Short to medium Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board

Objective 3: Support and encourage community and voluntary groups to enable them to thrive3.1 Provide training and capacity building for local

people wishing to participate in community activities and social enterprise

Short to medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods Department

3.2 Continue ‘Stand Out in Darwen’ project providing grants to support community groups to undertake projects

Short to medium Darwen Aldridge Community Academy

£300,000 application to Reaching Communities Fund

3.3 Develop website to promote volunteering opportunities and enable volunteers to ‘bank time’

Short to medium Darwen Aldridge Community Academy and CVS, Blackburn with Darwen Borugh Council

£10,000 Being developed

Objective 4: Preserve, promote and celebrate Darwen’s history and heritage4.1 Improvement and preservation of heritage

buildings through a second Townscape Heritage Initiative

Longer term aspiration

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department

New Heritage Lottery Funding application would require significant match funding to be secured

4.2 Completion and publication of new conservation area appraisal report for Darwen town centre

Short Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Regeneration Department

Due for publication by end 2013.

4.3 Investigate feasibility of a new Darwen History and Heritage Museum to better showcase local artefacts, promote town trails and local narratives

Short to Medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council / Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board

Minimal funding requiredPossible community heritage grant application

Community volunteers requiredSuitable property / location to be identified

4.4 Production of best practice guidance for property improvements - shop front treatments, heritage colours and materials etc.

Short to medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department

Minimal printing costs and web based info

Produced on the back of competition of THI I and Darwen Conservation Appraisal (4.2)

4.5 Monitor and maintain standards through the development and implementation of a pro-active enforcement strategy


Staff resouces

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2 . Q UA L I TY O F P L AC E

Darwen town centre has a strong historic architecture and investment over the last few years to both buildings and public realm has dramatically improved its aesthetics. The quality of the local environment is now one of Darwen’s main selling points and it is important that standards are maintained to protect this. There is a clear role for strong town centre management in ensuring the town is clean, tidy and well managed and a need for a strategy to reduce the visual impact of vacant properties. Recent cuts to Council resources means that there is an increasing role for businesses and residents in the challenge of looking after the town centre, but the impressive level of civic pride and community spirit presents a major opportunity to achieve this.

To ensure Darwen’s the future growth and prosperity, it needs to be able to attract and retain residents from a wider variety of socio-economic backgrounds. There is a good variety of affordable quality housing in and around the town centre which represents a real opportunity. Recent housing investment and neighbourhood support have helped improve the desirability of town centre living, but there is still a way to go and it is particularly important to try and get recently stalled private developments back on track.

Although the town centre is a safe place and levels of anti-social behaviour are low, perceptions around this need to change if Darwen is to attract new visitors, residents and businesses.

Darwen is a great place to visit, live and work and we want to...– Promote the range of quality

housing available near to the town centre

– Complete part developed sites and encourage new quality projects

– Improve the appearance of vacant and occupied properties

– Ensure the town is Cleaner, Greener and Safer

– Tackle perceptions of crime through multi agency working#

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Q UA L I TY O F P L AC E P R I O R I TY ACT I O N S


Objective 1: Improve and promote the range of quality housing available near to the town centre1.1 Promote the benefits of living in Darwen:

services and facilitiesOn-going All partners Top 20 facts about Darwen’s

desirability as a place to live to be drawn up and shared

1.2 Work with owners, developers and funding agencies to support the successful delivery of existing housing projects including:Twin Valley Housing older peoples housing on Union StreetPrivate sector renovation of the Old Technical CollegePhase II on remaining Belgrave Mill housing development site

Short to Medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department

Investigations on-going into potential community garden for Union Street housing

1.3 Promotion of quality town centre housing to rent or buy via official visit Blackburn and Darwen website.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department

1.4 Improve management of private rented accommodation close to town centre core through continued enforcement of Selective Landlord Licensing

Short to Medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods Department

Self financing scheme, subsidised by Council to cover staffing costs

Current scheme runs until June 2014. Success and impact to be reviewed

Objective 2: Encourage reuse of vacant sites for new quality projects2.1 Utilise the Development Market Study and

Site Allocations Document to promote new opportunities in the town centre


2.2 Promote excellent design, sensitive to the towns architectural heritage for new developments


2.3 Encourage high quality design and conservation heritage by applying the principles set out in Darwen conservation appraisal management plan and development guidelines


conservation appraisal management plan and development guidelines in development for early 2013

Objective 3: Improve the appearance of vacant and occupied properties3.1 Promotion and rigorous enforcement of policy

on advertising, shutters, shop fronts and signage - including the production of easy to follow best practice guidance

Short to Medium Blackburn with Darwen BC – Regeneration Department

Project recommended for High Street Innovation Fund

Investigations into options on-going

3.2 Improve the appearance of shop front shutters through renovation/decoration

Short to Medium Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board

Project proposed by Partnership Board for High Street Innovation Fund

Investigations into options on-going

3.3 Encourage window dressing and/or temporary use of vacant space by social enterprises, community groups and local businesses

Short to Medium To be identified Business rates, utilities and insurance costs may be applicable. Community funding to be investigated

Use of temporary meanwhile lease template for Council and privately owned properties

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Objective 4: Ensure the town is Cleaner, Greener and Safer 4.1 Utilise national Keep Britain Tidy campaigns

tools to help tackle litter and dog foulingMedium To be identified Potential community grant

fundingYour Call campaign

4.2 Continue to promote seasonal hanging baskets in public areas

On-going Darwen Town Council Darwen Town Council Ongoing

4.3 Continued licensing of Market Square for the use of events and activities all year around

Short Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department

Minor admin costs.Potential to generate some income from commercial bookings

Income generation subject to Council members approval and resource allocation

4.4 Investigate Darwen’s potential to complete in Britain in Bloom

Short to Medium To be identified Planting and maintenance costsFundraising and sponsorship potential

Voluntary steering group to be formed

4.5 Raise awareness of suitability of litter bins for bagged dog waste in town centre

Short Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods

Minimal costs for sticker campaign

Project delivered Autumn 2012

4.6 Encourage businesses to take ownership for cleanliness of the area around their property

Medium To be identified Potential project for Darwen Shop and Business Association

Objective 5: Tackle perceptions of crime through multi agency working5.1 Increase business participation in Bar U and

Darwen Business Against CrimeMedium Darwen Shop and Business

Association Potential for income generation through radio membership scheme

Wider promotion and business engagement

5.2 Make crime reduction visible - good news stories, promotion of crime reduction and crime prevention initiatives

Police / Darwen Business Against Crime

5.3 Investigate potential for improved CCTV coverage

Medium to long Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Policy and Communications Department

5.4 Continued enforcement of street drinking ban and zero tolerance to drink/drug related anti-social behaviour in the town centre

On-going Police

5.5 Support development of St Peter’s area Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

On-going Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Policy and Communications Department

Scheme up and running with ex policeman as Neighborhood Watch Manager

5.6 Work with young people to raise awareness about anti-social behaviour and perceptions of large congregations

Short to medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Policy and Communications Department / Youth projects

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3 . R E TA I L

Darwen Town Centre has a range of traditional independent retailers with some high street brands and a popular 3 day and 5 day Market. Despite the recent economic down turn nationally, it is still an important local shopping centre providing convenience and budget shopping for it’s local residents and a growing trade in specialist destination shopping such as quality food, gifts and crafts. However, there are still gaps in the offer and growth is needed in order for it to remain self sufficient and to successfully attract a wider more affluent catchment.

Darwen represents a real opportunity for the independent sector with low overheads and many advantages over other towns for small business which are linked with a pleasant environment, idyllic countryside setting, a good range of leisure facilities and potentially large local catchment.

With a well established Market and strong independent retail base, we want to...– Improve the quality of the

existing town centre offer and shopper experience

– Expand the town centre retail offer

– Develop stronger links between retail and town centre attractions

– Develop the value of local shopping

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Objective 1: Improve the quality of the existing town centre offer and shopper experience1.1 Revitalise Darwen Market, improve

cleanliness, signage, carrying out repairs, redecoration and make the 3 day Market more inviting and visible

Medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department

Council and Government grant

Options review and costings being undertaken on longer term investments

1.2 Secure future of Darwen Market through reviewing the market complex

Medium to Long Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department

1.3 Establish a number of retail mentors to help other businesses with practical advice and guidance, sharing of knowledge and skills

Short to Medium Town Centre Partnership Board

1.4 Launch local business awards Medium Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board

working group required to develop

1.5 Raise awareness of and better engage town centre businesses in available training programmes

Short to medium Darwen Academy Free business courses running regularly, but take up from town centre retailers is low

1.6 Maintain free parking provision for town centre Long term Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department

1.7 Review provision of taxi ranks with a view to creating a new one

Medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods

Suggestions include Market Square & Market Car Park

1.8 Strengthen membership of existing traders group and encourage active participation in trader led promotions and events

Short to medium Darwen Shop and Business Association

Income generated from membership fees and joint promotions

R E TA I L P R I O R I TY ACT I O N S

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Objective 2: Expand the town centre retail offer2.1 Undertake inward investment activities:

centralise property and business support information, undertaken gap analysis, promote empty premises to new business start-ups and work with landlords / agencies to target new retail


2.2 Develop closer links with Academy Enterprise Bridge businesses - provide opportunities for pop-up shops or moving on premises


2.3 Work to limit ‘undesirable’ uses in the town centre (cheque cashing, pawn brokers, turf accountants, arcades, late night takeaways etc.) by reviewing and utilising available planning controls and Government lobbying

Short to medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Planning/Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board

Currently limited powers through planningPartnership should engage local MP to lobby Government about changes to National Use Classes

2.4 Investigate options for the creation of new incubator/business start up premises – potentially in underused space within the Town Hall

Medium to long Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Development

Capital investment required for required conversions and upgrades IT infrastructure

Capita Symonds commissioned to undertake feasibility and assess approximate costs.

2.5 Investigate potential for Market and Market Square to host regular complimentary guest markets (vintage, antique, crafts etc.) or pop-up shops

Medium to long Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department

Could become self funding through small trader fee to cover infrastructure costs

Objective 3: Develop stronger links between retail and town centre attractions 3.1 Strength and popularity of town centre

food offer could present an opportunity for retail to piggy back on food led events and promotions. Establish Darwen as a ‘Food Lovers Town’.

Medium To be identified Potential project for Darwen Shop and Business Association, but would require new members (food)

3.2 Showcase retail offer in visitor attractions through merchandising displays or pop-up shops

Medium To be identified Project recommended for High Street Innovation Fund

Potential project for Darwen Shop and Business Association

Objective 4: Develop the value of local shopping4.1 Promote town centre developments first in

line with planning policyMedium to long Blackburn with Darwen

Borough Council – Regeneration Development

4.2 Develop local shopping campaign such as Totally Locally and re-launch annual ‘Fiver Fest’ festival

Short to medium To be identified Potential project for Darwen Shop and Business Association

4.4 Participate in national shop local campaign - Independent Retailer of the Month

Short To be identified Potential project for Darwen Shop and Business Association

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4 . E M P LOY M E N T

Darwen has a strong tradition for manufacturing which despite national trends, still plays a big part in local employment today. It is increasingly important that we understand the requirements of local businesses to enable them to grow and prosper, creating local jobs and wealth for the town. Thriving local businesses have the potential to sustain large levels of local employment, but it is essential that skills gaps are addressed and that the employment aspirations of local people are raised.

New employment sites need to be identified to facilitate growth and there is potential to exploit Darwen’s natural entrepreneurial spirit to fill gaps in the town centre offer. The town centre presents an ideal opportunity for the small businesses with the availability of low cost commercial premises and business support networks. Work is needed to highlight these opportunities and ensure Darwen is seen as an ‘the’ place for new business start-ups.

Darwen has good transport links with Blackburn, Preston, Bolton and Manchester which allow residents to commute for higher value work, but improvements to local rail links would enable Darwen to realise its full potential. This is a longer term aspiration, but one that presents a major opportunity for the town.

With a local economy that has significant potential for growth, we want to...– Maximise local job

opportunities for local people– Identify town centre

employment sites– Improve the skill levels and

raise employment aspirations of local people

– Improve transport links to support access to jobs

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E M P LOY M E N T P R I O R I TY ACT I O N S


Objective 1: Maximise local job opportunities for local people1.1 Identify and support business growth -

business advice and training, grant funding, relocation/expansion support, pro-business planning support

Medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council/Regenerate

Regenerate and CBP already work on behalf of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to provide high level business support services. Through the Council's Prosperous Network and Business Buddy scheme work is required to ensure any business growth opportunities are identified

1.2 Better co-ordination of the variety of support available to businesses to help them recruit locally and increase opportunities for apprentices and young people


1.3 Strengthen relations between the local authority and local employers through new ‘Business Buddy’ scheme

On-going Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department

Existing scheme needs to be extended to ensure all Darwen’s key employers are engaged

1.4 Encourage maximum local employment opportunities come from any new development of town centre sites identified

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department / Regenerate

Objective 2: Identify new town centre employment sites 2.1 Capitalise on the value of small businesses,

local entrepreneurs and social enterprises to the town centre and local employment. Provide new opportunities through increased provision of and access to low cost premises and business support

Medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department / Darwen Aldridge Community Academy / Twin Valley Holmes

Twin Valley Holmes currently bidding for ERDF funding for managed workspace

Review suitable Council premises, under-utilised space, rental values required.Private property owners could also provide new opportunities.

2.2 Promotion of new Site Allocations Plan to highlight development opportunities around the town centre and wider Darwen area suitable for employment

Medium to long Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department

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Objective 3: Improve the skill levels and raise employment aspirations of local people 3.1 Work with employers and education providers

to address skills gapsMedium Blackburn with Darwen

Borough Council – Regeneration Department / Pennine Lancashire Employment and Skills Board

3.2 Support local people into employment through ‘Work Clubs’, ‘First Steps’ courses and ‘Neighbourhood Learning’

Medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods Department

£400,000 Government grant Run through Access Points and Community Centres

3.3 Raise local employment aspirations by showcasing high level career opportunities that exist within successful Darwen based companies. Identify local career case studies and positive role models

Short to Medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department / Prosperous Group / Darwen Aldridge Community Academy

3.4 Work to ensure town centre businesses are linked in to opportunities created by the new Darwen Aldridge Community Academy Studio school.

Medium to long Darwen Aldridge Community Academy

Proposals for school approved and due to open to 300 students September 2013. Combines mainstream eduction with real commercial business based projects.

Objective 4: Improve transport links to support access to jobs4.1 Deliver plans to speed up major public

transport links between Darwen, Blackburn and Accrington through Pennine Reach


£32 million total secured from Government

Improvements to routes, shelters, ticket choices to reduce congestion and improve access to town centres, employment sites, education, health and leisure facilities.Due to start 2013 -2016

4.2 Increase rail service frequency between Darwen and Manchester to every half hour

Medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Regeneration Department

funded by Network Rail Council currently undertaking a study to support proposals and Network Rail reviewing options and costs.

4.3 Lobby for decentralisation of railway control from DfT to a local Northern Consortium with a view to influencing how boundaries and fairs are decided and reducing commuter fares between Darwen and Manchester

Medium to long Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Regeneration Department

Government consultation is currently on-going. All partners need to be encouraged to feed into consultation process.

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5 . CU LT U R E

Darwen is well serviced with leisure facilities which includes a the new Darwen Leisure Centre, Darwen Library Theatre, Library and Youth Centre, all of which are popular with the local community. The town boast a lively music scene and an impressive array of community led events throughout the year which successfully bring people into the town centre and support local trade.

The evening offer in Darwen is popular with locals as well as people from further afield. There is a healthy cluster of pubs in the town centre as well as bars and restaurants. The town’s newly established reputation for dining presents a massive opportunity to promote the wider town centre offer to a larger audience through linked promotions.

Darwen’s cultural assets are well placed to support the town’s continued prosperity by exploiting the emerging ‘experience revolution’ and ensuring that the town centre can offer a wider social experience that is increasingly demanded by customers.

The development of closer working relationship between venues, joint marketing and better engagement with local volunteers and community groups will help to further nurture Darwen’s cultural potential.

Darwen has some great cultural assets, supported by a talented, creative and passionate community, we want to...– Develop links between town

centre attractions and facilities – Maximise the potential of

cultural assets and venues– Capitalise on community

support to enhance town centre events and activities

– Further develop Darwen as a popular night time destination

– Improve the provision for Younger People in the town centre

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Objective 1: Develop links between town centre attractions and facilities1.1 Establish a cultural working group to network,

share information, identify and exploit opportunities and undertake joint marketing

Short Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Darwen Town Centre Officers Group

Majority of key venues are owned/run by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, but may be useful to include key hoteliers, traders reps and event organisers

1.2 Develop ‘package’ days using links and offers between venues such as Leisure Centre, Library Theatre, Market, Parks, Hotels and Countryside

Medium New Cultural Working group Combine existing marketing budgets from various venues

1.3 Jointly promote the town’s assets to coach tour operators and leisure groups

Medium New Cultural Working group Combine existing marketing budgets from various venues

Objective 2: Maximise the potential of cultural assets, venues and events2.1 Ensure businesses are fully aware of events

programmes to enable them to prepare for and cater to potential linked markets

Short Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Property and Development (tourism), Darwen Town Council, Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board

Event info is already collected for official Visit Blackburn and Darwen website. Creation of an email database of town centre business would enable regular updates to be sent out via the site

2.2 Encourage local schools, businesses and community groups to use the town’s venues more as a resource

Medium All partners

2.3 Establish Darwen on the TV filming location map by registering it’s various assets and locations with North West Vision and Media and other location scouting agencies

Medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Property and Development

Potentially requires set of new location photos

After success of Darwen’s selection for recent Channel 4 show, town’s history as a TV location and established network of support services (traffic management, catering, transport, security & equipment hire etc.) Darwen ideally positioned to attract more.

Objective 3: Capitalise on community support to enhance town centre events and attractions3.1 Encourage development of ‘Friends of’ groups

to support key cultural venues and harness fundraising potential of community interest groups

Medium To be identified

3.2 Support community groups to develop and deliver a sustainable programme of events Established:Darwen Music Live, Darwen Day, 1940s Day, Box Car Grand Prix, National Markets Fortnight, Darwen Jazz Festival, Christmas Lights Switch On, Darwen Beer Festival

Additional could include:Re-establish Darwen Food and Drink Festival, Local History and Heritage events or tours, Darwen Light Night, Children’s Festival, Youth Festival, Darwen Fiver Fest

Short to medium All partners Support to include:proactive licensing of events, venues and public spaces advice and guidance through the Events Safety Advisory Group provision of training and volunteer opportunities access to funding where it exists infrastructure support were possible (access to gazebos, electricity, insurance etc.)

3.3 Investigate potential for social enterprises or joint management groups to take on existing facilities or develop complimentary ones at key venues

Medium to long Culture Working Group

CU LT U R E P R I O R I TY ACT I O N S

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Objective 4: Further develop Darwen as a popular night time destination4.1 Establish a promotional link between Darwen

Library Theatre and local restaurantsShort to medium Blackburn with Darwen

Borough Council - Property and Development

4.2 Utilise existing evening economy businesses networks to encourage joint promotion the evening offer

Short to medium Bar U Group currently looks at issues relating to crime reduction, but could expand to look at marketing, co-ordinated events etc..

4.3 Capitalise on thriving music scene and active voluntary sector to organise and promote local music events and gigs

Short to medium Darwen Music Projects Existing work of DMP could be better supported through links to official Visit Blackburn and Darwen website and new Cultural Working Group

4.4 Establish Darwen as a ‘Food Lover’s Town’ (see Retail 3.1) and encourage businesses to engage in regional ‘Taste Lancashire’ accreditation scheme

Medium To be identified

Objective 5: Improve the provision for Younger People in the town centre5.1 Work with local youth groups to identify ways

in which cultural venues could present a more appealing offer to younger people

Medium Culture Working Group

5.2 Identify suitable location for town centre skate park and secure funds to install/manage

Short to medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Youth Services/Neighbourhoods

Half pipe securedWEC agreed to do some installation workAcademy site identified last year no longer suitable

5.3 Create new ‘youth cafe’ facility in the town centre if feasible

Medium to long Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Project Team (including Police & Groundwork Pennine Lancashire)

Training of volunteersYouth Worker staffing supportPotential Council funded commercial propertyExternal funding application/sponsorship required for renovations, equipment and running costs

Youth Worker staffing supportPotential Council funded commercial property

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6 . G R E E N A N D S USTA I N A B L E

The town centre has an enviable countryside setting with views of the West Pennine Moors and Darwen Tower. The River Darwen runs through the town with the open river corridor on either side of the main town centre. There are a number of opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding through Darwen and the surrounding area which could represent new growth markets to support the town centres economy. To fully harness the potential of these assets, the town needs to ensure visitors are properly catered for, that links between the town and countryside are clear and accessible and that the town is welcoming and attractive to a different type of customer.

The changing nature of our environment, evident in recent times with a combination of drought and severe flooding also highlights the need for the town to care for and protect its natural resources for the future. It is important that a town aspiring to attract new development and growth should carefully consider the environmental impacts of this and put measures in place to ensure sustainability in terms of resources and local bio-diversity.

Ideally located to benefit from the surrounding countryside and the natural environment, we want to...– Develop the physical

green infrastructure– Encourage green / outdoor

activities and initiatives – Promote links between

the town centre and surrounding countryside

– Future proof Darwen town centre from environmental threats

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G R E E N I N F RA ST R U CT U R E P R I O R I TY ACT I O N S


Objective 1: Develop and improve the physical infrastructure1.1 Maintain local parks and green spaces

and ensure that they are promoted as an important part of the town centre

Short Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Darwen Town Centre Officers Group

1.3 Investigate potential of business sponsorship of new planting schemes for the town centre

Short to medium To be identified Links could be make to local Community Garden Projects or Twin Valley Homes/Four Seasons Garden Centre work experience project

Potential project for Darwen Shop and Business Association

1.4 Consideration be to given to biodiversity in creation and/or maintenance of new green spaces - wildlife planting, fruit trees, introduction of habitat for bees/birds/wildlife

Medium to long Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Planning

Potential for new development schemes to include planning conditions to support biodiversity

Objective 2: Develop green / outdoor activities and initiatives 2.1 Establish annual ‘People and Places Film

Festival’ to engage local people in climate change issues, raise awareness and promote local debate and action.

Short to long Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Planning

Funding secure for delivery of first event in March 2013

Potential to engage a number of community groups in event delivery as well as attract eco-minded visitors to the town centre

2.2 Support local residents groups to clean, garden and maintain disused patches of land

Short to medium Groundwork Pennine Lancashire

St Peters Action Group secured funding from previous round of ‘Stand Out in Darwen’ grants

Additional fundraising activities, improvement works and celebration event planned for end 2012

2.3 Support ‘Don't Rubbish Darwen’ campaign to become and annual event to engage local youth in environmental projects

Short to medium Groundwork Pennine Lancashire

Financial from Groundwork, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Neighbourhoods and Market

First event to take place on Darwen Market Square by end of 2012. To include tidy-up, recycling and youth engagement work to raise awareness of youth ASB issues

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Objective 3: Promote links between the town centre and surrounding countryside3.1 Improve and highlight physical links to the

moors, woodlands and waterways from the town centre. This will require and audit of footpath conditions, signage and literature with a view to making them fit

Medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Capita Highways and Transport

Utilise budgets available to Public Rights of Way

Potential to engage voluntary and community groups to ensure longer term maintenance

3.2 Town centre businesses to participate in the national ‘Walkers Welcome’ campaign to encourage countryside walkers to stop off in the town for food/ drinks/leisure/accommodation

Medium To be identified Minimal cost which could be funded by participants/ beneficiaries

Objective 4: Future proof Darwen town centre from environmental threats 4.1 Revise emergency evacuation plan for Darwen

town centre and issue update Short to medium Blackburn with Darwen

Borough Council - Property and Development

Work in partnership with police, fire services and other key stakeholders

4.2 Following recent flooding implement any actions from Strategic Flood Assessment

Short to medium Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – Regeneration Department / Environment Agency

TBCFunding bid submitted to Regional Flood and Coastal Committee

Investigations and works already on-going in Darwen town centreScheme related to a culvert on Union St and Knott Street pending

4.3 Consideration should be given to sustainable building, power consumption, green roofing, water catchment and energy generation to any new major developments. District heating should be kept in mind for any large scale town centre developments

Medium to long Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - Planning

Potential for new development schemes to include planning conditions to support sustainability

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PA RT N E RS H I P A N D D E L I V E RY

The delivery of this strategy and action will be guided, monitored and evaluated by the Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board and updates on its progress and achievements will be published on a quarterly basis.

The six priority action plans have been prepared to detail activity planned over the next 1-3 years. Reviews as to the continued suitability of these and the addition of subsequent actions will be on-going and transparent.

The effective delivery of this strategy will be reliant on the support and commitment of all partners in achieving the objectives set out.

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The current Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board members have been selected from a wide range of organisations as well as community volunteers. Specific organisations were selected to reflect the needs of the previous town centre strategy. This approach has worked well and the skills, experience and expertise provided by board

members has contribute to the successful delivery of a number of projects. It is now recommended that membership is reviewed to ensure that the skills base of the partnership reflect the needs of the new strategy going forward.

DA R W E N TOW N C E N T R E PA RT N E RS H I P B OA R D G O I N G FO R W A R D

AREAS OF INTEREST AND EXPERTISE REPRESENTATIVE BODY

Darwen Town Centre Regeneration Executive Member for Regeneration, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, plus three Darwen Members

Darwen Town Centre Regeneration Darwen Town Council

Quality of Place Safer - Lancashire ConstabularyHeritage – Gordon Holden (proposed)Housing – Twin Valley Homes

Retail Darwen Shop and Business AssociationDarwen MarketMajor high street / flagship retailer

Culture John Sturgess (proposed)

Voluntary / Community John Jacklin (proposed)Geoff Tolley (proposed)

Market Town Identity St Peter’s Housing Association2 residents from Darwen

Employment & Transport Prosperous GroupEducation – Darwen AcademyTransport – Andrew Coombe (proposed)

Youth TBA

Green and Sustainable Groundwork

Evening economy BarU

Tourism TBA

The Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board can be contacted by calling: 01254 588958 or emailing: [email protected]

The board can also be contacted in writing c/o Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Regeneration Department, Property and Development, Room 413 Old Town Hall, Blackburn BB1 7D

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