Infrastructure and property firm Kier Group has been appointed as constructor to deliver the £45 million first phase of a wider £250 million regeneration plan in Blackburn, Business Live has reported.
Work on the huge Star Square development project is planned to start next year with the anchor for the plan being Star Academies, the multi-academy education trust that became the namesake for the project when it agreed to pay £10.3 million for the freehold of a 93,000 square foot building at the centre of this first phase.
Star Academies stated its new building will be used for leadership training, research, and as a focal point for innovation.
Star Academies’ chair Kam Kothia said: "The first phase of Star Square represents far more than a new headquarters; it marks the beginning of an inspiring new era for our organisation and for the communities we serve.
"This transformational development will play a central role in the wider Star Square vision: a vibrant hub for knowledge, research, innovation and economic renewal."
Kothia added: "Alongside housing our central team, the building will serve as a flagship professional development and research centre, including the National Institute of Teaching's North & West Campus and its headquarters.
"The Star Square development will provide a new national headquarters for Star Academies – an organisation recognised across the country for educational excellence, while creating a destination that will attract more people into the town centre, strengthening the local economy and supporting future growth.
"Reaching this milestone in appointing Kier is a major step forward and we look forward to working together to deliver a development that will bring lasting benefits for our residents, businesses and communities."