'Unseen' Victorian mosaic to be removed from iconic Lancashire building
A detailed Victorian mosaic floor has been uncovered as part of a major refurbishment of an iconic college building.
In July 2013 Blackburn College announced plans to renovate the Victoria Building which dates back to 1888. Many of the original spacious classrooms and large meeting areas – which had been partitioned to create offices and storage space – will be re-established.
Much of the decorative panelling, ornate coving and stained glass will also be rejuvenated, false ceilings will be removed, while a labyrinth of corridors, stairwells and reception areas will be refreshed but during demolition works the original mosaic flooring was discovered.
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The uncovered mosaic floor tiles have been found on all floors of the Victoria Building. These run through the main corridors, central stair and the locker room on lower ground floor.
However, despite their significance, the condition of the flooring has resulted in permission being sought to remove or re-cover the mosaic. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has now approved the plans.
The application concluded: "Due to the identified asbestos risks and the need to replace the filler joist floor on lower ground floor due to condition, the removal of the mosaic flooring is unfortunately unavoidable to ensure the ongoing use of the building as a whole and the removal is taken in balance of the overall aims of the proposals."
In order to complete the work the building has been surrounded by the largest-ever scaffolding project in the UK which took six months to erect.
The Victoria Building dates from 1888 and was the result of an architectural competition for a ‘Technical College’ building, paid for through philanthropic donations and public subscription.
It was at the time intended to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria and represent the industrial achievement of those linked to Blackburn.
This industrial heritage is visible in the decorated panels in the façade and in the stained glass windows illustrating aspects of science, technology, the arts and manufacturing. The building was given Grade II Listed Status in March 1984 and the description describes it as ‘Northern Renaissance’ style.