Darwen Town Hall to re-open after delays
It'll re-open next Wednesday after closing last month for renovation
Last updated 25th Jun 2025
Darwen Town Hall will reopen next week after a £350,000 refurbishment, slightly later than originally planned.
Staff including those on reception will return to the historic building on Wednesday.
The front desk services will continue to be in Darwen Market until Tuesday.
A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesperson said: “In the meantime, residents can continue to access in-person help and support from our friendly team in Darwen Market, available during normal market opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
“They can also continue to access support online; on our website; by e-mail: [email protected]; or by phoning 01254 585585
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank people for their patience.”
Darwen’s historic 1882 neo-classical town hall closed in mid-May for ‘three to four weeks’ for the renovation, described as ‘light touch’, to take place.
The refurbishment is part of a project to improve the existing accommodation and allow the relocation of the joint borough council and NHS services from Darwen Resource Centre.
The works included internal alterations and improvements to virtually all areas of the town hall to improve the suitability of spaces for the use of the public, local authority and partner organisations.
The move follows a decision made by Blackburn with Darwen borough’s finance council in February 2024 to designate Darwen Resource Centre as surplus to operational requirements, allowing for alternative commercial use.
Darwen Town Hall was identified as a suitable replacement location for its services.
There has been refurbishment of the first and second floors (excluding the Council Chamber) and to the adjoining first floor space above the market hall.
In addition repairs were undertaken to the building’s fabric which were identified as part of the survey for the refurbishment.
Darwen West ward’s Cllr Dave Smith said: “Although the work has taken slightly longer than anticipated it is welcome that the town hall will reopen on Wednesday.
“The work will help secure the future of one of the most important buildings in Darwen.
“Hopefully the planning application for the major work on Darwen Market Hall financed by the town deal will be submitted shortly.”
Blackburn with Darwen Council allocated an additional £200,000 to the original £150,000 budget to improve flexibility of workspaces, allow additional areas to be included and address the maintenance backlog affecting the areas, bringing the total funding for the project to £350,000.