Strategic Vision for a Gateway
Blackburn with Darwen Council has officially commissioned the design and planning consultancy firm ARUP to spearhead a long-term redevelopment vision for Blackburn Railway Station. The initiative, announced on August 18, 2026, aims to transform the 180-year-old facility into a modern, accessible ‘gateway’ that aligns with the town’s broader regeneration ambitions.
As part of the commission, ARUP is tasked with updating the 2017 Master Plan, originally produced by Seed Architects, and developing a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC). This document is essential for securing the necessary government funding to move the project from concept to construction.
Integration with Town Centre Regeneration
The station improvements are not being planned in isolation. The project is designed to integrate with several high-profile developments in Blackburn, including the planned Star Square on the former Thwaites Brewery site, the Tech Innovation Quarter, and the ongoing investment in the Cultural Quarter, which features the multi-million-pound refurbishment of King George’s Hall.
The study will focus on enhancing the station’s physical infrastructure, including the main buildings and concourse, while improving public spaces surrounding the site. A key priority is strengthening multi-modal connectivity, ensuring that the station serves as a seamless hub for rail, walking, and cycling routes.
Funding and Implementation Stakes
Early estimates suggest that the total cost for these infrastructure upgrades, combined with potential new stops on the Colne-Skipton line, could range from £50 million to £100 million. Securing this capital from central government remains the primary hurdle for the council. To expedite the initial assessment, ARUP was appointed without the standard procurement process, leveraging their existing relationships with key stakeholders such as Network Rail and the train operator, Northern.
Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and transport lead for the Lancashire Combined County Authority, emphasized the necessity of the project. ‘Blackburn Railway Station should be a gateway we can all be proud of,’ Riley stated, noting that the facility is a critical point of arrival for visitors and a vital link for local economic growth.
Separately, the council continues to evaluate the feasibility of additional railway stations within the borough, with Ewood and Lower Darwen currently identified as priority sites following public consultation.