But fast forward to June 2025, and not a single doughnut has been served.
Despite receiving planning approval from Blackburn with Darwen Council for the conversion — which included external upgrades, a new service window, pedestrian pathway adjustments, and rebranding of the existing unit — no construction or visible progress has taken place at the site. While signage permission for the building itself was approved, a separate proposal for a freestanding ‘Totem’ sign was rejected. Still, there was every indication that the project would proceed.
So what happened?
After enquiries from Blackburn Life, a spokesperson for Tim Hortons shared an update:
“We value the community’s anticipation and are thrilled about the excitement surrounding the location. While we understand the eagerness for an opening date, we’re currently unable to confirm when that will be. This year, we’ve prioritised enhancing our existing stores, which has naturally impacted the timeline for launching new sites.”
The company added that they appreciated the public’s patience and continued interest.
A Growing Brand — But at a Slower Pace?
Tim Hortons first entered the UK in 2017, rapidly expanding to over 70 locations nationwide. The brand’s model — offering coffee, baked goods, and a casual food menu in both dine-in and drive-thru formats — has proved popular in many regions. Their Burnley site, which opened in 2022, marked the chain’s first step into East Lancashire.
Blackburn was set to be next, but with the focus now shifted to consolidating existing operations, the town remains in a holding pattern.
Community Reaction and Market Potential
The delay has left local residents and coffee fans disappointed. Many had hoped that the arrival of a well-known international brand would boost the retail park’s footfall and inject fresh energy into Blackburn’s food and drink scene. With retail trends shifting toward convenience and drive-thru experiences, the restaurant was seen as a step in the right direction.
Tim Hortons has yet to confirm when construction might begin or when doors could open — but its interest in the Blackburn site appears to remain. The town, meanwhile, continues to await its first taste of Timbits.
