Blackburn’s £45m Star Square project moves to construction phase

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-07 09:31 2 min read

A tall construction crane standing in front of a building under development.

Construction firm Kier Group has been named the preferred bidder to deliver the £45m Star Square development, a central component of the wider £250m regeneration programme for Blackburn town centre. The project, which has successfully navigated a rigorous procurement process, is set to repurpose a significant portion of the existing Brown Street car park into a high-profile hub for education, research, and economic activity.

A new national headquarters for Star Academies

The development will be anchored by Star Academies, which plans to relocate its national headquarters and the National Institute of Teaching to the site. The first phase of the project, designated as 1 Star Square, is designed to serve as a flagship facility for educational leadership and professional development.

According to project plans, the building will feature a 200-seat lecture theatre, specialized training facilities, flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, and a recording studio. By consolidating these functions in the town centre, officials expect the site to act as a catalyst for increased footfall and long-term economic growth. In addition to the primary building, the scheme includes the creation of a new ‘pocket park’ to enhance the public realm.

Blackburn’s £45m Star Square project moves to construction phase

The practical picture: Timeline and site progress

Preparatory activity at the Brown Street site is already underway. The council has confirmed that essential highway improvement works are now complete, with drainage diversion tasks currently scheduled to conclude by the end of 2026.

Following these enabling works, the project team is preparing to submit an updated planning application in the coming months. Provided that final approvals are secured, main construction is slated to commence in spring 2027. The project is being delivered through a partnership involving the Government, which provided a £20m grant, alongside investment from Star Academies, the Lancashire Combined County Authority, and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Regional context and local integration

Star Square is one of several major infrastructure projects currently reshaping Blackburn. The development is intended to complement other ongoing initiatives, including the restoration of the former St John’s Church into a business innovation hub, the multi-million-pound transformation of King George’s Hall, and the establishment of a new Cultural Quarter.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, noted that the appointment of Kier Group marks a critical milestone in the council’s long-term vision for the town. The project aims to provide lasting benefits for local residents and businesses by creating a modern, purpose-built environment that elevates the town’s profile as a centre for educational excellence.

Source: Blackburn with Darwen Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Editorial Verification

Report based on the official announcement from Blackburn with Darwen Council regarding the Star Square procurement.

Checks