Following the council’s successful Levelling Up Fund bid to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in 2022, JTP with award-winning property consultancy Continuum and the design team, together with Chorley Council, will craft a vision to support and shape a number of regeneration projects in the town centre including the Civic Square, the council’s Union Street Offices and Bengal Street.
The civic square site is currently dominated by extensive car parking and hard-standing surfaces. The transformative proposals will feature a new building to create enclosure to the revived square and establish new residential apartments above a mixed-use ground floor alongside a significant public space all situated in front of two of Chorley’s most iconic historic buildings – Chorley Town Hall and St Laurence’s Church. The square will be a destination and focal point for a variety of community activities including hosting events, festivals, pop-ups and celebrations throughout the year, creating a stronger link between the administrative hub of the town and the pedestrianised streets that guide people further in towards Chorley’s markets, shops and train station.
The second project JTP is involved with includes the refurbishment and modernisation of the council’s Union Street offices. The redesign will open up opportunities and investment potential to attract new organisations and businesses looking to operate from an accessible and evolving town centre location.
Forming part of the industrial edge to the town, the repurposing of the Bengal Street site will be a catalyst for similar redevelopment of other redundant sites in close proximity to the centre. A new residential neighbourhood with communal gardens will deliver high-quality homes, enhancing the opportunity for people to live centrally in the town. Taking inspiration from Chorley’s heritage, the look and feel of the buildings will be inspired by Chorley’s historic mills.
The regeneration present an exciting time for Chorley. The revitalised town centre will hopefully foster a stronger local economy, attract new businesses, and offer modern homes and public spaces that embrace both Chorley’s industrial past and its bright future. JTP looks forward to continuing our collaborative partnership with the council to create a thriving town centre environment, encouraging life, living and longevity for Chorley.