Major update on controversial house demolition behind Blackpool FC's Bloomfield Road amid stubborn holdouts

Blackpool Council is still negotiating with the owner of a single property in a row of terraced houses being demolished to make way for two major sports projects.

The demolition of 15 houses on the west side of Henry Street in South Shore is required to clear space for the two interconnected projects: the Revoe Community Sports Village and the redevelopment of the East Stand at Blackpool FC’s Bloomfield Road stadium.

The site backs directly onto the East Stand and, while 12 of the redbrick terraced houses are being bulldozed with work already well underway, three will have to remain standing for the time being because the landlord of the middle property hasn’t agreed terms. The people in the property have already moved out.

Cllr Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, says the council cannot allow a project that will benefit local residents for generations to be stalled indefinitely as a result of one private landlord. However, negotiation is the preferred way forward at this stage, although other options may be available further down the line.

Cllr Mark Smith said: “The Revoe Community Sports Scheme is a part of a much larger major investment in the future of Central Blackpool and forms part of our wider commitment to regeneration, better opportunities and stronger communities.

“We have already delivered significant progress with residents on the west side of Henry Street have been successfully relocated and compensated. Indeed many have moved to homes that better meet their needs.

“The Council is now pressing ahead with the next phase of the project by clearing the vacant properties and continuing to work closely with the football club on its future plans for the site.

“There is, however, one remaining property the owner of which, as a landlord, after extensive negotiation and agreed terms, has decided to withdraw from the agreed terms.

“While our preference remains to reach a negotiated settlement, we cannot allow a project that will benefit local residents for generations to be stalled indefinitely as a result of one private landlord.

“The overwhelming public interest is in seeing this regeneration move forward. Local people deserve to see progress, not delay, and we will continue to take the necessary steps to deliver the scheme.

“The tenant of the remaining property has already vacated and therefore there is no risk to any residents.

“We remain, as we have always, open to constructive, proportionate and realistic discussions with the landlord but equally we must press on to deliver transformational long term vision for the residents of Central Blackpool.

“We will not allow the interests of one property owner to stand in the way of a project that has the potential to benefit the communities and residents of the Central area.”

What are the two sports projects?

• The Revoe Community Sports Village: The land is needed to build artificial grass pitches (including 11-a-side and five-a-side pitches), floodlighting, a changing pavilion, and storage buildings for the Revoe Community Sports Village, which is funded by a £6.5 million government Town Deal grant.
• Stadium Expansion and Concourse: The terraced row backs directly onto the Bloomfield Road football stadium. Clearing the properties provides the necessary footprint for the club's East Stand development, a new public realm area, and improved stadium access/concourse space.