Blackpool is undergoing a huge £21m transformation to its shopping zone with ongoing construction work to extend the main area – and the difference already is staggering. The photos reveal shops which have been stripped from the high street but also show pubs and bars on Market Street, an area which has been carefully planned for entertainment and nightlife.
In case you missed them: 18 lost scenes of Blackpool's 'dark, dismal and seedy' Talbot Road Bus Station back in the day
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. Urban Contrast
These two scenes in Market Street are worlds apart. The top one was taken in 2009 and shows NTK bar and an empty space ready for redevelopment. JD Wetherspoon's The Layton Rakes rose from the rubble and Brannigans has taken over NTK in the more recent 2022 picture. The clever use of buildings has created an area for nightlife, with Revolution further down. The Mitre and other bars are tucked away out of view in West Street to the right Photo: National World
. Urban Contrast
Leonard Dews, one of Blackpool's long-standing jewellers is featured in this contrasting montage at the corner of Church Street and Market Street. The shop on the opposite side of the road used to be The Orange Shop Photo: Google
. Urban Contrast
Two pictures which show Church Street in 2009 and 2022. The Grand Theatre's dome is clearly visible. A change in shops is evident, Millets has gone and is now left empty. Further along, Ann Summers has been replaced by a bargain store and BHS has gone Photo: Google
. Urban Contrast
The top picture shows a crumbled Yates's Wine Lodge in 2009 and the second photo shows the smart new Premier Inn facing Talbot Square Photo: Google
1. Urban Contrast
These two scenes in Market Street are worlds apart. The top one was taken in 2009 and shows NTK bar and an empty space ready for redevelopment. JD Wetherspoon's The Layton Rakes rose from the rubble and Brannigans has taken over NTK in the more recent 2022 picture. The clever use of buildings has created an area for nightlife, with Revolution further down. The Mitre and other bars are tucked away out of view in West Street to the right Photo: National World
2. Urban Contrast
Leonard Dews, one of Blackpool's long-standing jewellers is featured in this contrasting montage at the corner of Church Street and Market Street. The shop on the opposite side of the road used to be The Orange Shop Photo: Google
3. Urban Contrast
Two pictures which show Church Street in 2009 and 2022. The Grand Theatre's dome is clearly visible. A change in shops is evident, Millets has gone and is now left empty. Further along, Ann Summers has been replaced by a bargain store and BHS has gone Photo: Google
4. Urban Contrast
The top picture shows a crumbled Yates's Wine Lodge in 2009 and the second photo shows the smart new Premier Inn facing Talbot Square Photo: Google
5. Urban Contrast
Striking differences here in Coronation Street as improvements are made to Blackpool town centre with the £21m extension to Houndhills. New shops will include Wilko Photo: Google
6. Urban Contrast
Blackpool Town Hall in 2009 and the latest Google picture in 2022 Photo: National World