Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 8, 2026

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   (1)  That the progress made on delivering the Darwen Town Deal Investment Programme and the Darwen Town Board’s role in overseeing progress of its delivery be noted.   (2)  That following a robust procurement process undertaken via the Council’s Growth and Development Framework, the appointment of Barnfield Construction as the main contractor on the Darwen Market and Civic Quarter Project on a two-stage basis be agreed, as set out in the report.   (3)  That it be noted that the procurement process would initially be via a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) which sets out expectations on working with the Council’s procured Principle Designer and design team to develop the Pre-Construction Information needed to deliver a RIBA 4 staged designed scheme within the available public funding envelope of £20M.   (4)  That it be noted that, once the Darwen Market and Civic Quarter scheme details were finalised and prior to mobilisation and start on site, a further Executive Board report would be submitted to consider and approve the delivery strategy and to seek approval to draw down funding from the Town Deal Investment Programme, and the Council’s agreed capital funding contribution.   (5)  That the role of the Council, as an Accountable Body for the Darwen Town Deal; the Council’s commitment to co-invest up to £12.5M in capital funding support for the Town Deal Investment Programme; and the key role the Council performs, as an Accountable Body, and in continuing to provide strategic advice, and programme and financial management to support the Board and the delivery of the Investment Programme, be noted.   (6)  That the Strategic Director of Growth and Development and the Acting Director of Finance and Resources be granted delegated authority, in conjunction with the Leader of the Council and the Executive Member for Finance and Governance, to develop this scheme and finalise the capital funding contribution from the Darwen Town Deal and Council, subject to further Executive Board approval.