Plans set to deliver Blackpool town centre rebirth

Separate applications to refurbish the former Post Office on Abingdon Street, and to build a hotel on land on Adelaide Street are recommended for approval when they go before Blackpool’s planning committee tomorrow.

Multi-million pound investment could see the former Post Office converted to a 50-bedroom hotel with a mezzanine glazed courtyard boasting restaurants, shops and cafe bars.

The proposals have been submitted to Blackpool Council by husband and wife team Joe and Kelly Thompson of Thompson Contracts who bought the Grade II-listed building 12 months ago.

The counter service at the Post Office, which was built in 1910, closed in 2007.

Planners say the proposed redevelopment is a chance to “adapt the buildings to ensure their long term future and beneficial re-use adding to the town centre offer of quality hotel accommodation, retail, restaurants, cafes and leisure uses.”

Meanwhile an outline scheme for a five to six storey 156 bedroom hotel between Adelaide Street, Leopold Grove and Alfred Street is back on the table.

Well-placed for the Winter Gardens, the hotel bid was originally approved in 2011 but no development has taken place and the site is currently being used as a pay and display car park.

But since then some town centre planning policies have changed.

A report to the committee says: “This application is a positive step towards the regeneration of the site, which is in a key location on the edge of the town centre and adjacent to one of Blackpool’s most important heritage assets and leisure facilities.

“It is considered the proposal is generally in accordance with national and local planning policies and with the right design, the proposal would regenerate and enhance the area and provide good quality visitor accommodation.”