Dismay as Booths site remains empty

A former supermarket site looks set to remain undeveloped more than a year since the store closed.
Former Booths store on Highfield Road,BlackpoolFormer Booths store on Highfield Road,Blackpool
Former Booths store on Highfield Road,Blackpool

There are fears the Booths store on Highfield Road in South Shore, Blackpool, which closed in August last year, could deteriorate into an eyesore if it is left untouched.

Coun Andrew Stansfield, who represents Stanley ward which includes the former store, said residents were dismayed at the lack of progress.

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He said: “I get asked regularly by residents what is going on there and many of them comment it is becoming a bit of an eyesore.

“I have made inquiries but it seems there is no-one interested in the site at the moment. It is a concern to me that it will remain empty.

“It is a good site and when Booths was there it was good for the local community, especially the older generation.

“I would love another retail chain to take the site on, and I am constantly in touch with the council so they make sure Booths keep the building in as respectful state as it can be.”

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Booths closed the store in August 2015 when it opened a new supermarket in St Annes.

A spokesperson said: “Booths is considering a number of options for the Highfield Road site, which has received a lot of interest so far.

“We are actively seeking a new purpose for the site and in the meantime are ensuring the property is safely managed and secured.”

Blackpool Council tried to persuade Aldi to take over the site, but it opted to build a new supermarket on Squires Gate Industrial Estate instead.

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Booths also closed stores in Woodlands Road, Ansdell, and Normoss Road, both of which have since reopened as Co-ops.

Robert Pinkus and Co, which is marketing the site, describes it as lending itself “to a variety of uses including public house, care home, residential and leisure”.