A FORMER bar will be transformed into Lancashire’s first ‘digital fabrication’ facility after £275,000 of grant funding was confirmed.

Arts Council England has given the cash to Blackburn with Darwen Council as part of a £2.5 million funding programme across the North West.

And with all funds now confirmed, the work to transform the former Bentley’s Bar in Exchange Street, Blackburn, into ‘The Making Rooms’ can get under way.

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Planning permission has already been granted for the development which will be one of only a handful of facilities of its kind in the UK.

The Making Rooms will be equipped with cutting edge equipment such as 3D printers and small scale manufacturing machinery that will allow people to test and try out new ideas.

It will also host a technology hub for new businesses to use as a work space as well as hosting courses, events and groups based around digital innovation.

In addition, there will be studios, workshops and exhibition spaces for artists and craftspeople, as well as provision for artist residences for both local and international artists.

It will offer training in collaboration with school and colleges and local businesses.

Borough finance boss Cllr Andy Kay said: “We are absolutely delighted that this fantastic scheme will now get off the ground.

“This is a perfect project for Blackburn where we have got so many talented young people just crying out for an opportunity like this and now they will get access to the best equipment and expert advice available.”

Creative director of Blackburn is Open, entrepreneur and fashion designer Wayne Hemingway MBE, will advise on the design for the scheme.

He said: “I am delighted that Blackburn is leading the way with a facility like The Making Rooms.

“To thrive, town centres need to change to become places where people don’t just come to shop but also to work, to create and to be entertained.

“The Making Rooms is perfect for this and will be buzzing with talented and creative people launching their careers and helping drive the town forward.”

Paul Earnshaw, of engineering giant BAE Systems, has also expressed his approval of the creation of The Making Rooms.

He said: “It is fantastic to see such an innovative facility, which will undoubtedly encourage the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs, being created in the area.”