VIPS gathered for the launch event of Blackburn’s new £30 million Cathedral Quarter.
They included Bishop Julian of Blackburn, Very Reverend Christopher Armstrong, Dean of Blackburn, Cllr Mohammed Khan, Leader of the Council former MP Jack Straw now chair of Blackburn Youth Zone who officially opened the building and Harry Catherall, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council who welcomed the crowd of around 150 dignitaries.
Taking place on Thursday, November 12 it saw a lunchtime reception for the newly constructed six-storey office building, One Cathedral Square within the new quarter.
The occasion marks the completion of the multi-million regeneration project by Maple Grove Developments, which includes a new 60 bed Premier Inn Hotel and mixed-use commercial scheme of 37,500 sq ft of offices, restaurant and retail space that are all available to let.
In addition the new Clergy Court provides offices, library, apartments and townhouses, together with a 70 cover public refectory for the Cathedral; the new cloister buildings are the first to be constructed in the UK for more than 600 years.
The new piazza-style public square, car parking and transport interchange opposite the Railway Station completes the scheme.
At the launch event, guests were greeted by the Daniel Thwaites dray horses at the entrance of the building, before rising to the second floor where a reception was held overlooking the stunning views over the newly developed public realm area of Cathedral Quarter.
Blackburn food heroes Daniel Thwaites and The Seafood Pub Company provided the hospitality.
Guests included representatives from the business and property community as well as Blackburn with Darwen Councillors Phil Riley and Andy Kay.
Mr and Mrs Eric Wright attended on behalf of the Eric Wright Group along with key members of the Developers, Maple Grove and the contractors, Eric Wright Construction.
The £30 million Development was funded by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, the Cathedral, Maple Grove Developments, the Homes and Communities Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.
