George Street traffic change marks key step in town centre transformation
From Tuesday 5 May, George Street in Blackpool will close to traffic between Grosvenor Street and Cookson Street as part of the ongoing Multiversity campus development.
The closure represents a significant milestone in the wider regeneration of the Talbot Gateway area, with plans to eventually transform the street into a high-quality public realm space at the heart of a new education and employment district.
Once complete, the area is expected to support more than 8,000 workers and students, reshaping how people move through and use the town centre.
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What’s happening?
George Street will no longer be accessible to vehicles along the affected section while construction work progresses.
The closure is permanent in nature for through-traffic, forming part of the wider redesign of the street layout linked to the new campus development.
Why the closure is taking place
The works are required to deliver the Multiversity project, which aims to bring higher and further education facilities into the town centre.
The pedestrianisation of George Street is also intended to create a safer, more accessible environment for students, workers and visitors, while supporting longer-term regeneration goals for Blackpool.
Wider town centre improvements
The closure is connected to the £17m Town Centre Access Scheme, jointly funded by the UK Government and Blackpool Council.
The wider programme includes improved road layouts, upgraded traffic signals and additional crossing points designed to improve safety, reduce congestion and make it easier for people to travel in and around the town centre by car, foot and bicycle.
What drivers should expect
Motorists are advised to plan ahead and follow signed diversion routes while works continue. Although short-term disruption is expected, the long-term aim is to create a more connected and accessible town centre.