Blackpool blot on the landscape disappears '“ brick by brick

Create Construction is in the process of demolishing the derelict Palm Beach Hotel which has been ravaged by fires caused by arson since shutting its doors, with one incident in June 2014 having 70 firefighters from 12 fire engines battling a blaze over night.

The Hallam Way firm is to clear the site, and that of the next door Bourne Hotel, to make way for an £8.5m Hampton by Hilton hotel due to open in spring 2018.

Demolition crews have taken down the ancillary buildings at the rear and are now working on the main body of the hotel.

Gill Mathison, from Create, said today: “Works are progressing well and we expect to have the site cleared by the end of January, ready for construction work to begin.” She said the clearance has created around 12 jobs while the building project will need around 100 people at its height,most of which will be local.

The new hotel, designed by Tim Groom Architects, Manchester, will include 130 contemporary bedrooms, a business hub, gym, bar and restaurant.