The outside of Extra’s Blackburn with Darwen services, built in 2002 by Margram and sold to Extra one year later. The site has only been branded “Extra” since 2007 & has always been small in size. Blackburn has rarely ever accommodated large crowds as the M65 is a quiet road and it’s on a junction, putting drivers off. Margram built their sites small, with this and Cullompton consisting of McDonald’s and an LP4 restaurant only. Brands have changed but low custom levels has meant the building here has never been extended. Above the site is a 48-bed Travelodge, copying the design of Bridgwater and Donington. This amenity building is predominantly 2 buildings, interconnected, with McD being one building and all other facilities occupying the rest. Upon opening, there were many disputes over the naming of “Blackburn” which residents of Darwen were appalled with, and the name “Darwen” was not recognisable for long-distance drivers, not from Lancashire. So they settled with “Blackburn with Darwen” acknowledging both towns. It’s a bizarre design and building, but unique to visit as it feels more like a shopping centre food court than a motorway services!

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

Assigned to galleries: Blackburn with Darwen, Extra, M65