Plans revealed for fire-hit Blackpool hotel

A derelict Blackpool seafront hotel which has been a target for arsonists could be converted to apartments if plans get the go ahead.
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Architects have drawn up proposals to strip back the Ambassador Hotel on the corner of Derby Road and North Promenade and turn it into 19 "prestigious" flats.

The building has been a magnet for intruders and anti-social behaviour since it closed around seven years ago.

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In 2018 it took firefighters two-and-a-half hours to control one blaze with 10 fire engines called to the scene at the height of the emergency.

The Ambassador HotelThe Ambassador Hotel
The Ambassador Hotel

Now plans have been submitted to Blackpool Council by Ged O'Mahoney seeking permission to renovate the property including external rendering, replacing windows, adding a front roof terrace and providing parking for 17 vehicles.

Fylde-based Ben Jurin Architecture, which has prepared the designs, says in a planning statement the building "makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area with notable presence owing to its height, character and proximity.

"However, its contribution is presently compromised by the long disuse of the building and as such attracts anti-social behaviour daily which severely detracts and degrades the street and immediate surrounding area.

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"The proposal is to convert this dilapidated and redundant hotel into 19 new residential apartments, all which will be constructed to a high standard, and this will enhance and preserve this key heritage asset for future generations."

Firefighters attending an incident at the Ambassador HotelFirefighters attending an incident at the Ambassador Hotel
Firefighters attending an incident at the Ambassador Hotel

Documents add : "The overall approach is to refurbish the hotel into self contained apartments that will provide high quality residential housing for people wishing to live by the coast and aspire to live in high quality homes in a prestigious and selective development."

Blackpool Council has been using its enforcement powers, including court action at one stage, since 2015 in order to make the building more secure and demanded improvements were carried out to the exterior of the building.

This included forcing the owner of the Ambassador to install metal shutters and fencing to keep intruders out after the hotel attracted rough sleepers.

The application will now go before town hall planners at a future date for a decision to be made.