Blackburn town centre crowned Britain’s best high street

Beating 26 other finalists, Blackburn town centre has beaten hundreds of high streets across the country to be named Britain’s best.

Blackburn has reinvented itself over recent years with the council investing £9 million in its heritage buildings, and will now receive the £10,000 grand prize for winning the Best High Street award.

The Great British High Street Competition 2016, run by the Department for Communities and Local Government, celebrates the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets. It is one of the government’s initiatives to help champion high streets as the cornerstones of the community.

This year’s competition saw a record 900 entries across all 14 categories, including the new categories for individuals and shops.

Among the other winners were: The Cathedral Quarter, Derby, for the Best City Location; Falmouth for the Best Coastal Community; Hoole, Chester, for Best Local Centre; and Stockton for Best Rising Star.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our high streets are going from strength to strength as this year’s Great British High Street competition shows. Town centres are being revitalised, with vacancy rates falling over the last year, and Blackburn is a great example of how hard work and support for local businesses can turn things around.

“The strong Business Improvement District is working closely with the council to invest in the town and put on a vibrant calendar of events that has seen visitors flock in their thousands to the town centre – long may it continue.”