Demolition of the former Blackamoor Inn is due to begin next week, with work scheduled to start on Monday, July 6.
Planning a night out? See the live What’s On in Blackburn calendar.
The pub closed in 2019 and has largely stood empty since then, despite efforts to save it.
Blackburn with Darwen Council bought the site and looked at alternative uses for the building, before it was used as temporary accommodation for contractors working on Issa Way.
The council says the building’s poor condition, including significant structural issues and its close proximity to the road, means it will now be demolished. It says the move will also safeguard the land for possible future improvements to the junction if funding becomes available.
After demolition, the site will be landscaped and the pedestrian footpath improved. The wall beside the neighbouring property will also be carefully treated and rendered.
To allow the work to be carried out safely, a road closure will be needed at the top of Stopes Brow, from its junction with Aster Chase.
The closure is expected to run from Tuesday, July 21, to Friday, August 7, and will take place during the school holidays, when traffic is quieter. Residents nearby have been notified and diversions will be clearly signed.
Roman Road will stay open in both directions throughout the works.
Demolition hours are permitted from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays, though weekend working is unlikely.
Simon Jones, Growth Programme Director at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The demolition of any building, including a former pub, is always a last resort and is not done lightly.
“The building has largely stood empty since 2019, when the brewery closed it as a pub.
“We bought the empty building and used it temporarily for contractors working on Issa Way. We have now exhausted all possible options for an alternative use for it, especially given its poor condition, including serious structural issues.
“Once the demolition is complete, the site will be landscaped and the pedestrian footpath improved, with a view to upgrading the junction in the future, when funding is available.
“The temporary road closure is required to ensure the works are carried out safely. Again, we will only ever close a road if it is absolutely necessary and we will re-open it as soon as it’s safe to do so.
“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.”
For the latest roadworks updates, see Blackburn with Darwen Council’s roadworks page, and for live updates follow BwD Roads on Facebook.
