Come and step inside one of Blackburn’s most historic landmarks as we open to the public for Heritage Open Days 2026 – the biggest grassroots celebration of history and culture in Europe. Recently reopened after a £1.5m restoration of our Victorian tower, our building now reveals beautifully restored stone tracery, striking stained‑glass windows, and a…
With development work still underway, our long-held vision to become a sought after venue that brings the community together is becoming a reality! If we had any concerns or doubts about losing momentum during a 12 month closure, we needn’t have worried! We hardly had chance to catch our breath after our tower reopening at…
As with all the best tv makeovers, it was touch and go whether the building would be ready in time for the scheduled reopening weekend (30 & 31 May 2026). But thanks to the hardworking and commitment of our volunteers, we were able to open safely. For the first time in over a year, we…
We’re reopening our doors to visitors on Saturday 30 May between 10am and 4pm and Sunday 31 May from 2pm – 4pm – and everyone is invited! Come and see the completed £1.5m phase of work on the iconic octagonal tower which includes a new lift to all three floors, a stunning spiral staircase, brand…
The team behind the ongoing restoration of the former Apollo Cinema building is delighted to announce that the much-loved stained-glass panels, installed approximately 40 years ago, are being carefully removed for conservation. Though relatively modern in age, these windows represent a cherished chapter in the building’s cinematic past and will now be preserved and placed…
The Chair of Re:Source, JJ McGregor has written to stakeholders thanking them for supporting our bid to National Lottery Heritage Fund. The application for £4.6m was endorsed by many leaders of key partner organisations including Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackburn Youth Zone, One Voice, National Festival of Making, Blackburn Buisiness Improvement District, Super Slow…
Plans to open the new Exchange Tower at The Exchange in Blackburn have been pushed back to 2026 due to unexpected complications installing a new lift in the latest £1.5m renovations. Trustee Dr Alastair Murdoch explains: “The roof, stairs, toilets, and entrance will all be completed in time for Christmas – a fantastic achievement. However,…
Stunning pictures of restored stained-glass windows give a glimpse of the remarkable transformation happening at The Exchange which will reopen later this year, following a £1.5m facelift. Chair of Trustees, JJ McGregor has confirmed that the team are on track to reopen the building before Christmas when The Exchange will be operational. Fundraising will continue…
The team working on £1.5m renovations at The Exchange have released photographs of hitherto unseen areas dating back to the cinema in the 1920s. Builders have discovered the back of the ‘cheap seats’ entrance to the cinema which has been mentioned in recollections as being a route to the first two rows, referred to in…
Stakeholders, Volunteers and Supporters Update: Christmas 2024 A message from JJ McGregor, Chair of Re:Source I would like to share some important news, as we look ahead to 2025 and the exciting developments in store for The Exchange. Over the last few years, The Exchange has been the venue for a diverse range of…
The Exchange has announced the next phase of its regeneration journey thanks to a £1.5m grant from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, part of £20 million of new Government funding secured for the borough to support town centre priorities. Over the next 12 months, access improvements will include a new 8 person lift which will…
History detectives piece together the remarkable story of The Exchange The story of the early years of Blackburn’s most iconic building has been brought to life by two volunteers with a passion for local heritage. The Exchange: The Foundation Years has been written by Howard Foy and Chris Walton and is being produced with funding…