Work is well underway on the town’s brand-new youth centre — a major investment that’s set to transform opportunities for young people across Darwen and beyond.
The multi-million-pound development is now rising from the ground, with the steel structure being craned into place this week — giving locals a first look at just how big and bold this new building will be. Once complete, it’ll be twice the size of the former centre that stood on the site.
A game-changer for young people
Packed with modern facilities, the centre will include everything from gaming zones and creative spaces to a recording and DJ studio, sports zones, and more — all designed to inspire and engage young people.
The project is one of five across the borough backed by over £8 million in funding from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund, with Blackburn with Darwen Council also committing additional investment.
Cllr Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of the Council, said:
“We have big ambitions for the future of our borough – for our towns and for our residents – and our youngsters are an incredibly important part of that.
It’ll be a place that young people will want to go to – where they can learn new skills and be inspired. This is exactly what the young people of Darwen deserve.”
Part of a wider regeneration plan
The new youth centre isn’t the only thing happening in town. It’s part of a much bigger transformation for Darwen.
- A £20 million investment package has been confirmed through the Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods scheme.
- A major redevelopment plan is being considered for Darwen Market.
- Plans have been approved to restore the Carnegie Library and extend Darwen Library Theatre.
The youth centre is being built on Gary Aspden Way, renamed last year in honour of adidas Spezial curator and proud Darrener Gary Aspden, whose cultural projects have brought energy and opportunity to young people across the borough.
Cllr Phil Riley, Council Leader and Chair of the Darwen Town Deal Board, added:
“Darwen is benefitting from huge amounts of new investment – with more to come – and we know it’s crucial that there are opportunities within that for our young people.
I can’t wait to open the doors to the new youth centre and show our young people the end result.”
What happens in the meantime?
While the new centre is under construction, youth sessions continue at the Darwen Youth Zone on Railway Road and at Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre (BRIC).
To make things easier, car parking at Darwen Railway Station and Atlas Road is also free during the construction period.
