TJ Morris Ltd, the company behind Home Bargains, has submitted a hybrid planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council to redevelop the former Perspex International site on Duckworth Street in Darwen into a major retail destination, creating around 100 local jobs.
Perspex International, a producer of industrial chemicals and plastics, vacated the Orchard Mill site as part of a move to centralise manufacturing at its Chapels Park hub in Darwen, which centres on a new Polymerisation Hall and Energy Centre off Goose House Lane. Work to demolish and clear the site concluded in recent months.
Retail Plans and Phases
The proposals include a 2,787sqm Home Bargains store, alongside outline plans for a further 2,900sqm of retail floorspace on the northern part of the site. Illustrative plans show the Home Bargains store occupying the southern section, with a second phase earmarked for up to two smaller additional retail units in future.
The site, which extends to around 2.5 hectares, previously housed more than 22,000sqm of industrial buildings before demolition was approved in 2025 and completed this year. The development would be delivered in two phases, with Home Bargains occupying the first phase and becoming the retailer's first store in Darwen; its nearest existing branch is in Blackburn town centre.
Investment and Jobs
Developers say the scheme would represent an investment of more than £10 million and create in excess of 100 full and part-time jobs, with further employment generated through future retail units and the construction programme. The first phase would see the creation of 216 parking spaces, while the second phase could add a further 95 spaces.
Planning consultants acting for the applicant said the proposal would bring a prominent brownfield site back into use and strengthen Darwen's retail offer. In a planning statement submitted with the application, they said: "The proposed development will introduce a national retailer not currently represented in Darwen. The proposals look to regenerate a large, vacant former industrial site within the centre, strengthening its retail offer and overall attraction."
Council Consideration
Council planners have previously indicated they support the principle of commercial redevelopment on the land, which is allocated in the borough's Local Plan for mixed-use commercial and community uses. However, impacts on nearby roads like the already busy A666 Duckworth Street are likely to be a key consideration during the application process. The plans will now be considered by Blackburn with Darwen Council.
