OnoMatopee schreef op 30 januari 2024 11:05:
Construction firm to restore iconic Blackburn building
By Alice Bird
30 Jan 2024
Construction firm to restore iconic Blackburn building
BAM Construction is set to bring forward the multimillion-pound restoration of a 135-year old, grade II-listed building in Blackburn, which will include a live performance and exhibition space.
Blackburn College has handed over the keys to the Victoria Building which will become part of the Blackburn Learning Quarter for adult learning and community activities in the heart of the town.
As part of the scheme, some of the original floor plans will be reinstated to create classrooms and meeting areas, while the wood-panelled headmaster's office on the group floor will be available for hire.
The entire top floor of the property will be transformed into a live performance, exhibition and creative space for both student and community events.
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Funded by the Department for Education's (DfE) Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, the flagship project is one of the largest schemes of its kind in the UK and is a central feature of Blackburn with Darwen Council's Blackburn Town Centre Master Plan.
Principal and chief executive Dr Fazal Dad said: "The Victoria Building is a much-loved and recognised landmark. It's weaved into our town's history, a symbol of Blackburn's proud industrial heritage. This ambitious project will create a new life for the building as a beacon of our dynamic economic, cultural and inclusive future as the town undergoes its own transformative investment."
He added: "Once complete, the new Victoria Building will not only provide a high-quality and exceptional learning environment for all our students, but it will also be a community asset for all of the borough's diverse communities."
John Phillips from BAM added: "The work on the Victoria Building represents an interesting challenge for BAM UK&I. This beautiful, grade II-listed building requires intricate and delicate work to ensure the fabric of the college remains undamaged.
"The building will be completely covered in scaffolding and a canopy that allows the work to remain protected from the elements, whilst we restore this eye-catching structure to its former glory. Most importantly, we'll make possible a superb upgrade that will serve the staff, students and local community for generations to come."
BAM Construction will be working closely with DfE Technical Advisors, Mott MacDonald. Blackburn-based Darwen Terracotta and Faience has also been commissioned to restore many of the elaborate carvings on the building's façade.