The next phase of Blackpool’s town centre regeneration is set to get underway in the first week of June as contractors prepare to start on site at Talbot Gateway
This phase of the Talbot Gateway development will see the demolition of the existing Wilko store, the completion of the new tramway interchange at Blackpool North Station, a new underpass, Holiday Inn hotel and restaurant, and new retail outlets.
Robertson Construction Group has been appointed jointly by Blackpool Council and development partner, Muse Developments to start work on Monday 1 June and will initially undertake the demolition of the Wilko store and car park, which ceased trading at the end of March. Demolition and construction work is expected to take around two years.
Phase two
The start of the demolition marks phase two of the Talbot Gateway project in Blackpool’s Central Business District. The first phase saw the opening of Sainsbury’s supermarket and the development of offices, which now accommodate more than 1,000 public and private-sector employees.
Schedule of construction work:
- Demolition of Wilko’s building, Talbot Road – June to December 2020
- Construction of the high street underpass – November 2020 to 30th April 2021
- Construction of the Holiday Inn Hotel – October 2020 to April 2022
- Tram extension and track completion – January to May 2021
All timings are subject to there being no further delays due to the current Covid-19 crisis.
Putting local people at the centre of the project
Dirk Pittaway, managing director, Robertson North West, said: “Talbot Gateway’s regeneration continues to gather pace and as a growing business in the region, we are thrilled to be playing our part.
“Robertson has significant experience in the hotels’ sector, and we will use that to deliver a facility that is best in class and something everyone in Blackpool can be proud of.
“We will work closely throughout with Blackpool Council and Muse Developments, who have both shown real commitment and drive in continuing to progress the project during recent months.
“Clear procedures, including social distancing, will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved on-site.
“We will also put local people at the centre of the project to ensure the wider community can benefit. Indeed, we’ve already started to work with the local college, with the aim of providing real opportunities to people throughout the project and beyond.
“Talbot Gateway is hugely important to the town and we cannot wait to get started.”
