Two permanently closed, empty stores near the entrance to Blackburn services. When Blackburn opened in 2002, this was one large store branded Somerfields Essentials, which was a rare site away from forecourts/petrol stations at motorway services. This store was rebranded Co-op in 2009 following a merger, then changed to Budgens in 2016 before it closed a year later in 2017. In 2018, Family Shopper leased this unit and this closed in 2019. Ever since 2019, Blackburn has been shopless and this section of the site is practically closed off. These closed units will likely remain empty as the site doesn’t receive high custom levels due to its location off the quiet M65. However, these units are large and could house multiple food outlets and a seating area. Family Shopper was still signposted from the motorway until very recently when it was correctly taken down.

Photo taken on 24/06/2023 by Tom Moon.

Assigned to galleries: Blackburn with Darwen, Co-op, Extra, M65