Almost £20 million of new Government funding could be invested in Darwen’s town centre, parks, open spaces, and young people over the next decade, as part of a new Pride in Place Programme.
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The plan, detailed in a report to Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Board, outlines how the town could benefit from the long-term funding and sets out local priorities agreed by the Darwen Town Board following extensive consultation with residents, businesses, and community groups.
Key priorities for Darwen:
- Improving the town centre and supporting local businesses
- Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment
- Providing positive activities for young people
- Enhancing parks and green spaces
- Showcasing Darwen through music, arts, and culture
- Supporting charities and community groups
- Helping manufacturing businesses stay competitive
- Removing barriers to skills training and access to jobs
A new Darwen Community Fund will also be piloted, with further details expected soon.
A ten-year plan for the town
Darwen was one of 75 towns chosen in the first round of funding under the Government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns and Plan for Neighbourhoods.
To oversee the investment, a Darwen Town Board has been established, bringing together representatives from the public, private, and voluntary sectors.
The Board is chaired by Tracey Alcock, Managing Director of Herbert Parkinson, part of the John Lewis Partnership and one of Darwen’s major employers.
Tracey said:
“We’ve been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to make sure every single penny of this funding for Darwen counts.
The Government has confirmed the funding, and we’re now ready to submit our bid with a clear list of priorities that reflect what our residents, businesses, and community organisations have told us.
The plan builds on our shared vision for Darwen – focusing on our strongest asset, Darreners themselves.”
How the funding will be used
Just over £7 million of the funding will be available in the first four years, including nearly £4 million earmarked for regeneration, high streets, and heritage projects — with a particular focus on improving parks and open spaces.
Further funding will support youth programmes, the new community fund, and initiatives to boost employment and skills, including over £1 million proposed for supporting local businesses and the workforce.
Council and MP welcome long-term commitment
Andy MacNae, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, said:
“Pride in Place is about giving communities the power to decide how to best transform their hometowns.
I’m thrilled that we have secured this £20 million commitment for Darwen and look forward to working with residents, businesses, and community organisations to deliver a lasting legacy.”
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Vice-Chair of the Darwen Town Board, added:
“The confirmation of this funding is hugely positive news for Darwen.
By bringing both the Pride in Place and Town Deal funding under one board, we can maximise every opportunity and ensure it has a real and lasting impact.
At the heart of our plan is the people of Darwen – residents, businesses, and community groups – and what matters most to them.”
Linked investment for Blackburn
As part of the same national initiative, Blackburn will also receive £20 million through the Pride in Place Programme, plus an additional £1.5 million from the Pride in Place Impact Fund, aimed at improving the town centre.
The Council is currently working with Government officials to finalise the boundaries and priorities for the Blackburn investment.
Next steps
The Darwen Town Board’s four-year investment plan and ten-year vision will be submitted to Government for consideration by the end of November.
