Blackburn’s Two Cathedral Square Goes in for Planning

Maple Grove Developments, working in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackburn Cathedral, has announced the submission of a detailed planning application for the second phase of Cathedral Quarter in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Cathedral Square is being developed under the development agreement MGD has with the Council, Blackburn Cathedral and Homes England (2013).

Designed by BDP Architects, the plans would see the development of a striking six storey building comprising 30,500 sq ft net of Grade ‘A’ office accommodation with 5,000 sq ft retail / restaurant space on the ground floor.

The announcement follows on from 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 high profile 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.

Speaking about Cathedral Square, Andrew Dewhurst, development director at Maple Grove Developments, commented: “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 number two will follow suit, helping to position Cathedral Square as an established business and leisure location.

“It’s a major regeneration project for the region and as a Lancashire developer one that we are very much proud to be a part of. Once planning is granted, we will look to start on site later in 2019.”

Gary Wilde at BDP continued: “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.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Deputy Chief Executive Denise Park, who has lead responsibility for the investment and growth programme, said: “The Cathedral Quarter development acts as an impressive gateway to visitors arriving to the town and it’s had a really positive impact on the whole borough. The scheme’s excellent transport links and the overall quality of the build has made it the destination of choice for many blue-chip and national organisations.

“This has the potential to be a very exciting new phase. We’ve already had some helpful discussions and we look forward to seeing the wider consultation start as part of the normal processes.”