Projects

Implementing a long-term plan for the Lancashire town of Accrington

Our role

• On behalf of the council, our Heritage and Townscape team provided built heritage advice to inform the preparation of a Masterplan Framework for Accrington Town Centre.
• By distilling previous baseline assessment work and engaging with relevant officers within the council, we prepared a bespoke Heritage Appraisal identifying key heritage considerations and recommendations to be taken into account in the preparation of the Masterplan Framework.
• Our team worked efficiently and flexibly to respond to the specific needs of the brief, analysing the historic townscape and extensive background information to identify aspects relevant to the project and effectively communicate these to the client and consultant team for incorporation into design development.

Results

• The Masterplan Framework sets out a forward-looking vision for Accrington, building on the town’s current strengths and untapped potential. It outlines new sites for development, promotes more effective use of existing buildings and spaces, diversifies the range of activities within the town centre, and highlights opportunities to enhance and introduce high-quality public spaces aiming to create a more vibrant and inclusive town centre for everyone to benefit.
• The proposals present a broad range of opportunities to celebrate and enhance the town’s remaining heritage. They aim to strengthen connections between the town centre and its natural surroundings—visually and physically—by linking to the su rounding hillsides and exploring options for deculverting and improving engagement with the watercourses that flow through the heart of the town.
• The Accrington Town Centre Masterplan Framework was adopted by Hyndburn Borough Council as an Area Action Plan in March 2025.

Image credit: Adriette Myburgh