Buttress was appointed to develop the scheme ensuring that it will provide a permanent cultural and community use for the beloved building that was built at the height of the cotton trade. Once it represented Blackburn’s prosperity in its industrial heyday and later was home to a cinema and an Italian restaurant, only for it to fall vacant in 2005.
Working for client, Re:Source – the charity behind the project, who acquired the building in the 2010s and have since overseen repairs and an exciting programme of events - Blackburn with Darwen Council has approved the plans for the extensive refurbishment including alterations to create a mixed-used community and performance space. Buttress’ plans also include interventions to repair historic fabric and conserve the heritage asset while introducing new elements and alterations to facilitate its reuse.
Caer Butler, Re:Source, Blackburn, commented
“We are delighted with the successful outcome of the approval for The Exchange’s whole building application. This momentous moment enables Re:Source Blackburn, the charity that owns The Exchange to move full steam ahead with our major grant funding applications to achieve our vision to bring this magnificent building back to life as a vibrant venue in Blackburn town centre.”
Grant Prescott, Buttress, said
“I grew up in Blackburn so I feel deeply connected to the heritage of the Exchange building and I am thrilled that the plans have been approved. The opportunity to be part of a great team that is playing a pivotal role in the Exchange’s transformation and safeguarding its future is a proud moment for me.”
The planning application follows on from a successful public consultation which was held in March 2023. It highlighted a strong community desire to see the Exchange reimagined for the benefit of future generations.
Grant Prescott
Grant is an AABC-accredited conservation architect who specialises in the sensitive restoration and redevelopment of historic and listed buildings.
Emma-Jane Dawson
Emma is a skilled architect with experience across a variety of sectors, predominantly in the delivery of high-quality retrofit schemes.
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.