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£220m revamp sealed for Blackpool
A £220m deal was today signed to make Blackpool's long-awaited Talbot Gateway become a reality.
Despite the economic gloom, building giant Muse Developments has now legally committed itself to the huge plan to create a massive new business district.
It is hoped work will begin at the end of next year on replacing the worn out Talbot Road bus station area with 160,000 square metre of offices, shops and hotels.
At the heart of the scheme is a pedestrian-friendly plaza.
Sir Howard Bernstein, chairman of regeneration company ReBlackpool, said: "This agreement marks the culmination of three years hard work and marks a significant milestone in the regeneration of Blackpool and its transformation into a year-round resort.
"This project will transform a neglected and under-utilised area of the town into a welcoming family-friendly gateway, encouraging more people to visit, providing better services for local people and encouraging inward investment."
Today's signing is the culmination of two years of legal wranglings after Muse, then called Amec, was chosen as the preferred developed in 2007.
>> To cast your vote on Talbot Gateway, click here.
The Blackpool scheme is deemed "recession proof" because crucial elements - a new foodstore and new council offices - will definitely go ahead.
Under the plans Blackpool North Station and the Wilkinsons store on Talbot Road will both be given significant facelifts.
The revised proposals also earmark the Apollo site for the possible relocation of the police station from Bonney Street, and the possible relocation of the law courts to Cookson Street.
Two hotels are proposed - one within Wilkinsons building and one opening out of the railway station - both with aspects onto the new Talbot Plaza which would see significant public realm investment.
Housing is also still part of the plans, but is likely to be one of the last phases when the market picks up.
The Talbot bus station car park will be replace with a new multi-storey on King Street.
Up until now, the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) has spent 5.1m supporting the council's work to assemble the site. The latest aquisition last week was the Apollo electrical store and car park in Talbot Road.
The next step will be an outline planning application in September when compulsory purchase orders for the remaining properties will also be made.
Mike Horner, regional director for Muse, said: "Even in these difficult economic times, we are confident of our investment in Blackpool and we now look forward to working alongside the council and the NWDA to bring about change on the ground at the earliest possible opportunity."
NWDA chief executive Steve Broomhead added: "This agreement is a significant step forward in the delivery of this project, which will both help to attract new business investment into the town and create new employment opportunities for the local community."
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 2 C to 3 C
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Wind direction: South east
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