Second office block at key Blackburn scheme in for planning

Maple Grove Developments, working in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackburn Cathedral, has submitted a detailed planning application for 30,500 sq ft of office space at Cathedral Quarter.

Designed by BDP, the proposal is for a six-storey building including 5,000 sq ft of retail/restaurant space at ground floor level, along with the grade A office space.

The development follows the completion of One Cathedral Square, which brought 35,000 sq ft of office accommodation to the market in early 2016 and is now home to organisations including Cummings Mellor, GovNet Communications, Capita and Northern Rail.

Knight Frank and Trevor Dawson have been retained as joint letting agents for the scheme.

Andrew Dewhurst, development director at MGD, said: “When it comes to demand for business space in Lancashire, Blackburn town centre is at the fore. One Cathedral Square has proven to be extremely popular and we are confident that Two will follow suit, helping to position Cathedral Square as an established business and leisure location.

Gary Wilde, architect director at BDP, added: “As with Number One, Two Cathedral Square has been sensitively designed in the context of its surroundings, framing the views to the Cathedral and creating al fresco eating opportunities thanks to its south-facing orientation.

“Internally the office design is more informal and incorporates features including a new lounge concept at ground floor to welcome both occupiers and visitors to Cathedral Quarter.”

Cathedral Square is being progressed under a development agreement MGD signed with the council, Blackburn Cathedral and Homes England in 2013.

The Cathedral Quarter project has seen the arrival of a Premier Inn, and full take-up of leisure units delivered so far, with Turtle Bay, Starbucks, Cafe Northcote and Al Mano in place. Facilities for the cathedral have been delivered as part of the project.