History & Heritage
Built in the 1830s, Richmond Terrace was designed as an elegant row of Georgian townhouses. With its red brick façades, Ionic doorways and prominent chimneys, the terrace was once the address of choice for Blackburn’s merchants and professionals. Its historic and architectural significance was recognised with a Grade II listing, protecting it as part of the town’s heritage.
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The Current State
But despite this recognition, a walk along Richmond Terrace today is shocking. Once-grand entrances are boarded up or left to decay. Former offices stand empty. Gardens are abandoned, trees and weeds left to run wild, and rubbish litters the street. Even behind the façades, the story is grim: filthy back alleys, collapsing rear walls and neglected outbuildings give the impression of a street waiting for demolition rather than preservation.
The Location
What makes this decline even more striking is its location. Richmond Terrace is not hidden away — it sits in the heart of Blackburn, just a few short steps from the Town Hall and opposite the Museum and Art Gallery. In a town that prides itself on its heritage, the state of such a prominent street raises urgent questions.
A Few Bright Spots
Not every building on Richmond Terrace has been left to rot. A handful of businesses, such as Valley Opticians and Richmond Terrace Dental Care, maintain smart and welcoming frontages. They serve as small reminders of what the entire terrace could look like if properly cared for. But they also highlight the stark contrast with the majority of the street.
Why It Matters
Richmond Terrace is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a symbol of Blackburn’s nineteenth-century prosperity and a rare surviving example of Georgian architecture in the town. Its neglect undermines efforts to celebrate local heritage and sends the wrong message to visitors and residents alike.
The Question for Blackburn
Should a Grade II listed terrace, in such a central and historic location, really be left to crumble? Or is it time for serious investment, restoration and a plan to bring Richmond Terrace back to life?
Watch the Video
We have produced a short film showing the state of Richmond Terrace today, contrasting its proud past with its current decline.
👉 Watch the video above and tell us what you think. Should Blackburn let this terrace fade into ruin, or should it be restored as part of the town’s heritage? Share your views in the comments below.
