Plans submitted for the Exchange, Blackburn

Buttress has been appointed to develop a scheme that will provide a permanent cultural and community use for The Exchange, whilst creating a facility aimed at benefitting the people of the town.

Photograph of a Victorian stone building. We see a tower like porch, very much looking like a cathedral porch. It's hexagonal and we see the front door. To the left of the building is a modern brick built building. To the right is the subject building continuation. It has ornate arch windows.

The Exchange, Blackburn

Plans have been submitted for the Exchange in Blackburn by local charity Re: Source. Architects, Buttress has been appointed to develop a scheme that will provide a permanent cultural and community use for The Exchange, whilst creating a facility aimed at benefitting the people of the town. The plans have been submitted after feedback from a public consultation held in March.

The Exchange, originally constructed as a cotton exchange in 1865, holds significant historical importance as an architectural gem in the heart of Blackburn. Over the years, it has evolved from its original purpose, serving as a cinema and restaurant before falling into disuse and remaining vacant since the mid-2000s.

Internal photograph of a man showing a woman an architectural drawing on a noticeboard on a wall

internal photograph of a Victorian, church-like hall with gothic arched windows. The hall is empty apart from three or four people viewing an exhibition board, Photograph taken at the public consultation for the plans.

"As a boy, I fondly remember attending the cinema at the Exchange. It holds a special place in my heart, and I am honoured to be part of the team entrusted with its revitalisation." Grant Prescott, Buttress

Caer Butler, director of operations for The Exchange and the trustees of Re:Source commented:

“This is a massive step forward on our renovation and restoration journey and it’s taken a long time, a lot of work, collaboration and expertise to get here. The exciting plans include viewing balconies, a sky bar and access to all floors from one entrance. We are retaining the big stunning space and the edgy urban vibe which make it such a popular venue for so many amazing events already.

The submitted plans will be reviewed by Blackburn and Darwen Council in the coming weeks. If approved, the Exchange will be transformed into a permanent cultural and community hub, enriching the lives of the town's residents. These plans follow on from a successful public consultation held in March 2023, which highlighted the strong community desire to see the Exchange reimagined for the benefit of future generations.

Photographs were taken at the public consultation for the plans in March 2023.

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Associate

Grant Prescott

Grant is an AABC-accredited conservation architect who specialises in the sensitive restoration and redevelopment of historic and listed buildings.