The regeneration of a former mill site in Blackburn has been praised by the council leader following a tour of the site.

Elan Homes is currently regenerating 8.6 acres of land in Milking Lane as part of the regeneration of the former Lower Darwen Paper Mill site.

Part of this work is Tower Gardens, a 76-property estate providing family homes on the formerly derelict site.

The site was recently visited by Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Councillor Phil Riley, who toured the properties with sales executives from Elan Homes.

The company acquired the site in 2021 in a joint venture with the council and Brierfield-based Barnfield Construction. 

Growth and development was Cllr Riley's remit when funding to develop the site was secured in 2019 after previous attempts had failed.

1. Elan’s Tracy Clarkson, Dave Higgins and Rosie Tierney with Councillor Phil Riley Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council outside the show home at Tower GardensFrom left, Tracy Clarkson, Phil Riley, Dave Higgins and Rosie Tierney outside the show home at Tower Gardens (Image: Elan Homes)

The site also includes the 35,000sq ft Mill Bank Business Park, which is complete and almost fully let.

Cllr Riley said: “Some years ago the former Lower Darwen Paper mill site was a large derelict site next to the motorway.

"Now it’s home to a number of thriving businesses and the start of a new housing development by Elan Homes.

"It’s a wonderful illustration of what can be achieved by partnerships between the Council and private developers.”

Tower Gardens will be made up of three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes, with the showhome already erected.

Cllr Riley had a look around the house with sales executives Tracy Clarkson and Rosie Tierney and site manager David Higgins.

The council leader added: “The houses are spacious and well-appointed with great views over towards Darwen Tower and the nearby moorland.

"It’s no wonder they are generating a lot of interest with the first families about to move in.”

Marie Morris, Elan regional sales and marketing director, said: “It’s three years since Elan was named by Blackburn with Darwen Council as the preferred developer for this site after previous attempts by others stalled for various reasons.

"As Cllr Riley has been a long-term advocate for the regeneration of the wider site we were keen to invite him to Tower Gardens to see our new homes in Darwen for himself.”