Latest Blackpool planning application reveals huge new plans to replace empty South Shore hotel

The latest planning application submitted to Blackpool Council last week has revealed ambitious proposals to demolish an empty hotel near South Shore seafront and replace it with 15 self-contained flats.

The application is for the erection of a four storey building comprising 15 self-contained permanent apartments, following demolition of the former Henderson Hotel at 1 Wimbourne Place, a site close to Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.

Planning documents show that 33 percent of the apartments (a total of five) will provide affordable housing, if the scheme gets the go ahead.

Where?

The Henderson Hotel was one of three adjoining hotels being offered for sale early in 2025 at £1.9m as part of a potential redevelopment project. The site comprised three buildings – the Waldorf Hotel, the Kimberley Hotel and the Henderson Hotel – which required demolition before development takes place.

However, the current application involves the Henderson Hotel only, with no reference made to the other two properties.

A Design and Access Statement by consultants Future Planning and Development Ltd, has been submitted on behalf of the un-named applicants in supporting a Full Planning Application for the scheme.

What planning statement says

The statement says that the initial proposals were to provide student accommodation in a new building with some 40 rooms, but Blackpool Council advised the applicants that the scheme would not be supported.

Ths was because the site was specifically designated for either permanent residential or holiday accommodation, and furthermore, the site was deemed too far away from the new Multiversity to offer easy access for all students.

The council also indicated that because the existing Henderson Hotel was considered visually attractive, “any replacement must show why reuse is notpossible.”

Explaining the new need for a new building, the statement says of the current property: “The narrow circulation spaces, rigid structural layout, thin partitions, and outdated configuration present significant and inherent barriers to successful conversion or modernisation.

“Achieving a modern, building regulations compliant layout within the existing envelope would likely require extensive intervention, making comprehensiverefurbishment or reuse highly impractical and economically unviable.”

The statement adds: “The vision for the redevelopment of 1 Wimbourne Place is to transform a dated and under used hotel site into a high quality, attractive and inclusive residential environment that makes a positive contribution to the local area.

“The proposal seeks to deliver much needed homes including affordablehousing in a sustainable and accessible location close to the seafront and local services.

“It seeks to enhance the appearance and vitality of the streetscape, creating a building that sits comfortably within its setting and reflects the established character of South Shore.

“The proposal aims to support Blackpool Council’s regeneration objectives, providing new housing on brownfield land and contributing to local economic and social wellbeing.

“Overall, the development aims to create a place that residents can be proud to call home. A modern, efficient and well designed housing scheme that aligns with the town’s wider ambitions for sustainable growth.”