It was once the site of the bustling Blackpool Central Railway Station, the place which brought millions of tourists to within a stone’s throw from the beach. And in more recent times it has been Central Car Park. Changes are happening again and this week we reported on how work was underway for the first phase of the redevelopment of the area which will see a brand new car park, a Heritage Quarter and other attractions. A huge swathe of the car park has already gone and Bonny Street Market will close at the end of the season.
In case you missed them: 19 candid scenes of Blackpool town centre which capture moments in time during the 1980s - including Coral Island, Victoria Street, Lewis's, the Golden Mile and North Pier
. Central changes
A view of Blackpool's Central Car Park ten years ago. Work is now underway to transform the whole area under a £300m development which will se a new car park, heritage quarter and attractions Photo: Bill Johnson
. Central changes
A different view of the car park with the old Bonny Street police station in the back ground. This was in 2009 Photo: Bill Johnson
. Central changes
This section of the car park has already gone. The buildings in the background remain Photo: Bill Johnson
1. Central changes
A different view of the car park with the old Bonny Street police station in the back ground. This was in 2009 Photo: Bill Johnson
2. Central changes
This section of the car park has already gone. The buildings in the background remain Photo: Bill Johnson
3. Central changes
Blackpool's Central Station once occupied the whole site. This was in April 1963 Photo: Archive
4. Central changes
This was Easter 2004 - the car park was rammed. The new multi-storey car park will replace it entirely for Blackpool's promising future Photo: Rob Lock
6. Central changes
This goes back to 1999 - we've all parked there. It has hardly changed until now Photo: Dawn Castle