Blackburn with Darwen to acquire historic mill 

The council wants to buy the 160,000 sq ft Imperial Mill and an adjoining 3.7-acre plot off Gorse Street and has earmarked the building for future employment and cultural uses. 

“The restoration and reuse of Imperial Mill creates the opportunity to bring significant and unique employment space back into use, both within the mill and into the land at the rear,” a report to Blackburn with Darwen’s executive said. 

Imperial Mill is currently home to Lancashire Saw Company, which employs 35 staff based on the first floor. 

The company, which has owned the building since the early 1980s, is offering the building to Blackburn with Darwen Council on the provision that a 15-year leaseback clause forms part of the deal. 

Lancashire Saw Company “recognises that it is not in a position to safeguard the future of the building”, according to a report to the council’s executive board. 

The council is seeking approval from its executive to go ahead with the acquisition of Imperial Mill, located within Blackburn Growth Axis, one of six plans to support the council’s £1bn future growth strategy set out in the local plan. 

The mill has also been identified as playing an important role in Super Slow Way’s proposals for a new Linear Park – one of four proposed ‘cultural hubs’ – on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. 

“We’re a forward-thinking Council which has carved out a strong reputation for delivering growth,” said Cllr Quesir Mahmood, executive member for growth and development.” 

“We know that for our towns to be successful, we have to work hard to make the most of opportunities like this – creating new jobs and the potential of an attraction to be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the borough too.” 

The acquisition of the site and emergency works will be funded by the council’s asset management fund budget allocation. 

It will be supplemented with £250,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.