Darwen’s new youth centre on track for spring opening

The finishing touches are being made to Darwen’s brand new youth centre. It is part of almost £10m of new investment in facilities for young people across the borough.

A modern, expanded space for young people

The striking, state-of-the-art building has taken shape over the past year, doubling the size of the previous one.

Once completed, it will be a new Youth Zone. It will be open to young people seven days a week, including weeknights, weekends and school holidays.

Members will be able to enjoy everything from a games cave, recording studio, salon, gym, a version of the popular Making Rooms creative space, outdoor sporting facilities and more. The youth centre will offer these memberships free of charge, including meals.

Major investment for Darwen town centre

Blackburn with Darwen Council and its partners secured funding for the project through the Youth Investment Fund. The government has invested tens of millions of pounds into Darwen town centre. Other initiatives include plans for Darwen Market, Darwen Library and Darwen Library Theatre too.

Councillor Julie Gunn, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and executive lead for Children and Education, said:

“This project really is impressive – I’ve been lucky to enjoy a tour today and I was absolutely blown away.

“When I walked around this new youth centre – a truly state-of-the-art facility – I know it’s exactly what our young people deserve.

“It’s what they need too – a safe place to have fun, learn new skills and be inspired. It’s absolutely brilliant.”

Alongside the government funding, the Council and the Youth Zone have supported the Darwen Youth Zone development with additional investment and contributions. Local businesses have also given it significant backing through the hugely successful patron scheme.

Patrons include major Darwen employers, Crown Paints, Multevo, Watson and Ramsbottom and Herbert Parkinson Ltd. As a thank you, the youth centre has invited patrons to a special event that includes a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the youth centre. It will run this as part of their regular Supper Club networking events.

Growing membership and future ambitions

Wayne Wild, chair of Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone, said:

“Darwen Youth Zone has been on a remarkable journey – from launching during Covid at The Meeting Place, to where’s it’s currently based in Railway Road, and now to this purpose-built facility. And what a facility it is for our youngsters.

“We already have more than 350 members and this new building will allow us to at least double that number, which is just fantastic.

“Having two Youth Zones in Blackburn with Darwen is a proud moment for everyone involved, including our patrons who are pivotal to its growing success. We can’t wait to be able to officially open the doors.”

The new facility will be able to welcome over 800 participants a week. It will offer programmes to suit all ages, abilities and interests. This is a massive improvement on what the former youth centre could offer. The sessions will include employment support and SEND provision too.

Improvements across the borough

As part of the Youth Investment Fund, Blackburn’s busy Youth Zone also benefitted from upgrades, including an impressive transformation of its Fusebox facility.

Andy MacNae, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, added:

“It’s great to see the new Youth Zone so close to completion. This will be a fantastic asset for Darwen, and I can’t wait to see it being used by young people from all parts of town.

“Along with the planned redevelopment of the market, improvements to the library and library theatre and the £20m Pride in Place programme, this is a real vote of confidence in Darwen. Exciting times!”

The Darwen scheme has been delivered by Seddon. Seddon also recently completed improvements at Audley & Queen’s Park Children’s Centre, another YIF project.

These schemes are the first that the firm have undertaken in the borough.

John Shannon, managing director at Seddon Property Services, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to have delivered this state-of-the-art youth centre for the council.

“Seeing a space come to life that will offer such a wide range of services and opportunities for local young people makes the job especially rewarding.

“It’s projects like this that remind us why we do what we do.”

Community open day

A community open day to celebrate the official opening of Darwen Youth Zone is set to take place in April.

For further details about the event, Darwen Youth Zone and information about the patron scheme, please visit: www.blackburnyz.org