AN arts centre forced out of its base by a devastating fire has found a new temporary residence thanks to Thwaites Brewery.

Blackburn’s The Bureau was left homeless after the April 3 blaze destroyed the historic town centre Church of St John the Evangelist.

Now its directors, Thwaites and Blackburn with Darwen Council ,which owns fire-ravaged premises, have found it a new base.

It has taken over the ground floor and much of the upper-storey of ‘Daniel’s’ the company’s former Visitor Centre on Penny Street, opposite the vacant brewery site now being demolished. It will be back in operation in a few weeks.

The Bureau’s new home, close to its original church base, is being leased initially for six months at a reduced rent with an option to roll it over while repairs at St John the Evangelist are completed.

The fire destroyed much of the building and its contents and extensive repairs are needed to make it usable.

The Bureau housed an arts centre with cafe, art gallery, cinema, community room, art studios, darkroom and a live music venue.

Kerris Casey-St Pierre, director of The Bureau for the Arts, said: “After the fire we didn’t know where we were going at all.

“I think when we came here it was obviously apparent that this was a space that we would be able to get up and going really quickly and start functioning again.

“It is very different to the old space but it is an absolutely fantastic chance for us to be able to start getting back to doing what we have always done.

“This is the first big step on the road to recovery for the centre and we are very grateful to Thwaites and the council for providing this exciting opportunity. Anyone wanting to offer support or volunteer, please get in touch.”

Chris Wright, Thwaites estates manager, said: “Like so many people, we were saddened to see the damage caused by the fire.

“We are happy to do something to help the Bureau continue to operate their fantastic activities going forwards.”

Cllr Phil Riley, the council’s regeneration boss, said: “Since it started a few years ago, The Bureau has added real value to the town’s cultural offer and I’m really pleased that, thanks to Thwaites, they now have a permanent home again in another prominent town centre building.”