The next stage of the £9m redevelopment of Blackburn town centre's landmark Exchange building is set to go ahead thanks to a £1.5m grant from the local authority.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has released the cash from its £20m of government Levelling Up funding secured for the borough to support town centre priorities.

Now the charity Re:Source, which is undertaking the project to regenerate the building in King William Street, which opened in 1865 as the town’s cotton exchange, has announced the programme for the next phase of the work to transform it into an open plan performance, exhibition and gathering space.

The scheme aims to restore it to its Victorian Gothic glory in time for next year's Festival of Making.

The latest works are scheduled to begin in November.

Over the next 12 months, access improvements will include a new eight-person lift which will connect the lower ground floor with the entrance level, upper ground level and a new mezzanine level.

The current main stairs will be removed completely to allow for a new entrance into the lower ground floor (formerly Tiggi's restaurant).

The iconic octagon-shaped tower will be repaired, and a stunning new stairway will provide stepped access to the upper floors.

New toilets will also be installed on the lower ground and upper ground floors.

Work will take place to raise and replace the unsafe and leaky roof of the 1920s extension behind the main Exchange Hall – bringing it into use for the first time.

A design and development team has already been appointed to drive the scheme forward, including Buttress Architects, with Grant Prescott being the lead architect.

Trustee Dr Alastair Murdoch said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding from the council.

"We look forward to having an accessible, beautiful new entrance that will have a “wow” factor.

"It will also provide a taste of things to come for the rest of the building.”

The £20m of government Levelling Up funding includes significant investment for historic buildings and cultural venues, including £8m for King George’s Hall – the jewel in the crown of Blackburn’s £50m new Cultural Quarter.

The nearby Tony’s Ballroom will also benefit alongside The Exchange.

Cllr Quesir Mahmood, Blackburn with Darwen Council's growth boss, said: “It’s fantastic to see work already starting using this new investment – work that will make a real difference.

“The Exchange is an iconic venue in the town centre with a fascinating history and an exciting future ahead, a future we’re really proud to be able to support.

“Blackburn is making waves with its cultural offer and this new investment will help strengthen that even further – at The Exchange, at King George’s Hall, Tony’s Ballroom and Imperial Mill too.

“We can’t wait to see these projects progress and our residents and visitors enjoy the results.”

Tender documents for the work will be released at the end of September with contractors expected to be appointed in October.

Work is scheduled to begin in November with the aim of the new facilities open in time for the Festival of Making 2025.