Shops transformed as part of £8m Blackpool project

Nearly £8m has been invested to transform key gateways as part of the Quality Corridors project which was launched in September 2016.

Among the next tranche of work is to refurbish properties at 28 Topping Street and 4 – 8 Edward Street, which are owned by the council and will create four new shop fronts in total.

Roads into the town centre such as Cookson Street have also been improved with new pavements and tree planting.

A report updating councillors says: “Over the last three years significant highways and public realm improvements have been delivered in parts of Church Street, Caunce Street, Cookson Street, Dickson Road and Talbot Road (in conjunction with the tramway works).

“Street furniture has been installed including bollards and benches. Trees have featured in some renewed streets along with some public art.

“Works are now complete on Edward Street, Deansgate and Topping Street.

“The second element, the Property Improvement Fund, provides in excess of £1m in grants to assist property owners and businesses in priority streets to improve the external appearance of their properties and to encourage take up of vacant space.”

Properties on Topping Street to receive a facelift include Showstoppers, The Samaritans, Cafe Continental and The Mortgage Shop.

Deansgate Kitchen, Sunseekers and Asia’s Finest on Deansgate are also among businesses to benefit.

Work is currently underway at The Brew Room on Church Street, Cedar Tavern in Cedar Square and Blackhurst Budd solicitors on Edward Street.

A £400,000 upgrade of the exterior of the Ibis Styles Hotel (formerly the Clifton Hotel) on the corner of the Promenade and Talbot Square began at the start of 2020 and is still underway, including a £178,300 grant from the scheme.

The £7.84m Quality Corridors project is funded through the Growth Deal.

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