£1.3m boost for paths to Darwen Tower

Plans for a £1.3 million improvement scheme could make it easier for walkers and visitors to reach Darwen’s iconic Jubilee Tower, with the search now underway for a contractor to carry out the work.

The investment will focus on upgrading popular walking routes through Darwen’s parks and surrounding moorland, improving access to one of the town’s best-loved landmarks.

The scheme forms part of Destination Darwen, a project within the wider £100 million Darwen Town Deal, and follows feedback from residents who want better paths and improved outdoor spaces.

What’s planned for the walking routes?

The proposed improvements include work on paths leading from Bold Venture Park and Sunnyhurst Woods towards Jubilee Tower and onwards to Roddlesworth.

The scheme will also address drainage problems in Sunnyhurst Woods, with plans for a new culvert, improvements to the banks and further drainage work.

Preparatory clearance work is already underway in the area.

The aim is to make the routes easier and more enjoyable to use, encouraging more people to explore the countryside around Darwen.

A report published on Friday 16 October sets out the next steps towards appointing a contractor.

Residents help shape improvements

The project has been developed with input from residents, local volunteers and Friends Groups who regularly help care for Darwen’s green spaces.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said the improvements reflected what local people had asked for.

“We know just how much residents and visitors love Darwen’s rolling moors and the views from the much-loved Jubilee Tower,” he said.

“Residents have told us that they want to see investment in our parks and the paths leading up to the Tower, and through the Town Deal we’re working hard to deliver exactly that.”

He also highlighted the involvement of volunteers, Friends Groups and the team at Lords Hall in helping shape the plans.

Part of wider investment in Darwen

The path improvements are one element of the Destination Darwen programme, which is designed to better connect the town centre with its parks, countryside and visitor attractions.

Work already completed includes upgrades to town centre car parks and improvements to pedestrian routes and crossings.

New masterplans have also been developed for Bold Venture Park, Whitehall Park, Ashton Park and Sunnyhurst Woods, working alongside local community groups.

Another proposal being considered is Curlew Calling, a four-metre-high sculpture by Darwen artist Marjan Wouda that would celebrate the curlew, a distinctive bird found on the surrounding moors.

The wider Town Deal programme also includes investment planned for Darwen Market Hall, Darwen Library and the Library Theatre.

Encouraging more people to explore Darwen

Rossendale and Darwen MP Andy MacNae welcomed the proposed improvements, highlighting the importance of making the moors accessible to more people.

“The moors around Darwen are a fantastic asset which everyone should be able to enjoy and appreciate,” he said.

“Better paths mean more people getting outdoors, more visitors spending time in the town, and more reasons to be proud of where we live.”

He also thanked the volunteers and Friends Groups involved in shaping the project.

With the contractor procurement process now moving forward, the scheme represents another step towards improving access to Darwen’s countryside and supporting the town’s appeal as a destination for walkers and visitors.

Residents and visitors can discover more about Darwen’s attractions, walking routes, businesses and upcoming events on the recently launched Discover Darwen website:

https://www.discoverdarwen.co.uk/

Source: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, 16 October 2026.