Client: Blackburn & Darwen Borough Council
Architect: OMI
Planning: Paul Butler Associates
The public realm strategy is part of a suite of heritage and design documents prepared for Blackburn town centre by Paul Butler Associates, OMI Architects, Landscape Projects and Oxford Archaeology North on behalf of Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council.
Blackburn, located on the western edge of the Pennines, has early medieval and Romano-British origins. The town boomed and expanded during the industrial revolution and became the centre of the cotton industry. The nineteenth century expansion and twentieth century interventions have lead to a town of contrasts where diversity thrives. For Blackburn it is important to maintain and enhance the special character of the town while allowing it to advance into the 21st century.
The Public Realm Strategy was written to guide the development of the public realm within the Conservation Areas. The document comprised of three parts:
1: Background analysis, and key issues affecting the public realm in Blackburn.2: Described the current thinking and best practice when considering the public realm. The structure was divided into ‘streets’ and ‘places’ and it was within this context that the strategic guidance was shaped.
3: Set out general principles and guidance on the choice of materials based on parts 1 and 2.