08
feature
fusebox, blackburn
To expand on existing services of the
Youth Zone, The L-shaped building is repurposed to focus on employment skills, training and opportunities. John Puttick Associates repositioned a new glazed central entrance on Pilkington Street, acting as both a practical improvement and a symbolic gesture of accessibility and inclusion. It opens into a double-height events space below an original steel crane. A warren of existing rooms, which were not part of the original building, were removed, resulting in a visually open and coherent arrangement. A new-build mezzanine provides social spaces and leads to a co-working hub, while the ground floor opens onto a creative maker space. Additionally, new amphitheatre style seating is integrated with a ramp that overcomes level changes, further enhancing barrier-free access throughout the building. The refurbishment references the building’s industrial heritage using exposed steel structural elements, industrial-type glazing and doors, bespoke contemporary lighting, and several site specific artworks by Jamie Holman. Level access issues are addressed throughout to achieve full accessibility.
Externally, new lighting and signage enlivens the Pilkington Street facade and improves the feeling of safety in the evening. The project also includes upgrades to the adjacent Youth Zone. An improved front entrance with a new skate-friendly landscape and origami-shaped canopies signals the way in and provides places for people to gather and park their bikes. A new green wall, to be planted and maintained by the young people, brings nature to the town centre site whilst increasing biodiversity and opportunities for team building activities. Inside, carefully considered alterations enhance flow and functionality, whilst preserving the warmth and identity of the original structure. The reception is reconfigured and part of the building now houses new office spaces for the staff of the entire youth zone. Additionally, the architects have integrated a new arts studio, wellbeing room, gaming area, music room and gym to expand the existing activities on offer. John Puttick Associates repurposed the existing structure to conserve embodied energy of the original building materials. Fusebox has boosted energy efficiency through an improved mechanical and electrical (M&E) scheme, resulting in more efficient heating and cooling. The architect’s design approach focused on cleaning up and keeping the existing brickwork and windows, minimising any waste generated from demolition. John Puttick Associates approach emphasised community co-creation throughout Fusebox, working closely
with the Youth Zone staff and local stakeholders to shape a building that reflects the aspirations of its young users. In doing so, the architects have delivered a more comprehensive, accessible and engaging facility through the adaptive reuse of a heritage building, benefiting the broader Blackburn community. John Puttick, DIrector at John Puttick
Associates, said: “We have very much enjoyed working with Blackburn Youth Zone on reimagining the industrial heritage of the Victorian power station as a place for young people to interact and gain skills. It has been very rewarding to see the project in use with numerous activities and events underway.” Rebecca Brock, Architect at John Puttick
Associates, said: “It has been a great opportunity to work on the refurbishment of Blackburn Youth Zone. We had the chance to explore new ways of experiencing the building while creating spaces to bring young people together. Examples are the new mezzanine in the event space and the seating in the recreation area. Now that the Youth Zone is being used, it is great to see young people enjoying and giving new life back to the building.”
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