EXPANSION OF BLACKBURN’S MAKING ROOMS GIVEN APPROVAL.

A £1.5 million extension of Blackburn’s successful Making Rooms creative and technology hub may now begin after receiving planning consent. Permission has been given for a large extension at the Exchange Street location, which will create two new stories to make full use of the basement and rooftop. The expansion will more than double the current capacity, adding over ten new workspaces in the basement’s characterful former bank vaults and introducing a brand-new rooftop floor with a study room, breakout space, and outdoor terrace with views of Blackburn’s historic skyline and the Darwen moors.

The rooftop development will also serve as a dedicated Eco Lab, with a heavy emphasis on sustainability, biomaterials, and testing with innovative technologies such as robot farming equipment. A Blackburn with Darwen Council planning officer’s report recommending permission with four conditions states: “It must be acknowledged that the Making Rooms provides a niche offer that provides workspaces for small creativity, technology, and advanced manufacturing businesses.” “The presence of this institution encourages creativity and ingenuity in the neighbourhood, as well as the development of new skills, enterprises, and job possibilities. “Therefore, any recommendations aimed at extending the life of this valuable asset are warmly welcomed.

“Such outcomes provide clear public benefits together with adequate justification for the proposals.” Making Rooms director Tom Macpherson-Pope remarked, “We are overjoyed that planning approval has finally been obtained. “What began as a pipe dream is now a reality, and we are excited to begin the next chapter of The Making Rooms. “This expansion will help cement our position as the UK’s leading makerspace, and it will allow us to offer even more opportunities for learning, collaboration and innovation.” Since its inception in 2016, The Making Rooms has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors from around the UK and beyond, providing creative and technical experiences ranging from ceramics to electronics, 3D printing, laser cutting, and more.

The entire structure will be updated to ensure complete accessibility. Museum Street will have to be closed for the improvement works. Cllr Quesir Mahmood, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s growth manager, stated: “This is fantastic for Blackburn and the entire borough. “The Making Rooms is already doing amazing things and putting us on the map for creativity, innovation, and cooperation. “These exciting new plans will build on that success and help take it to the next level – unlocking new skills, opportunities and inspiration for our residents.” Cllr Desai stated, “It’s fantastic news that planning clearance has been granted for this £1.5 million renovation.

“This investment will enhance an already excellent facility and provide students with cutting-edge resources, promoting creativity, innovation, and skill development.” I’m looking forward to seeing how this will benefit our youth and the community.” Cllr Marrow stated, “I welcome the Making Rooms’ continued success and achievements in engaging with and encouraging young people in the fields of engineering, science, and design.” “But I do have a concern that the planning application should have been considered by the planning committee, as the council leader, deputy leader and director of growth and development who is responsible for sign-off on the approval are all directors of the Making Rooms BwD CIC and not done behind closed doors.the planning department.”

The construction is being funded by government ‘Levelling Up’ grant money, which is part of a £20 million package of Whitehall funding to help create a new cultural and recreational district in Blackburn town centre. The Making Rooms was founded by Blackburn and Darwen Council before becoming a Community Interest Company. The building also houses two Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations, the award-winning National Festival of Making and Culturapedia.

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