Blackpool restaurant expansion gets the go ahead

Delegated powers were used to grant permission for the scheme which will see the West Coast Rock Cafe on Abingdon Street take over ground floor premises for the first time in its 30-year history.

The go ahead means the iconic eaterie is set to expand into the former Greenwood’s Menswear store with work set to begin as soon as possible.

The West Coast Rock Cafe is currently open for home delivery only, but as lockdown is eased it is hoped the new ground floor area could open to customers by August.

A planned layout shows around 20 tables on the ground floor along with a bar, kitchen facilities and toilets.

All the furniture will be moveable rather than fixed, enabling the venue to operate within any social distancing measures which may be in place.

In making their decision, planners said the scheme “would result in a more coherent usage of the corner between Abingdon Street and Birley Street”.

Documents add: “The prominent and accessible location lends itself well to an A3 use (cafe or restaurant use) that would attract and cater to both local residents and resort visitors.”

Mr Wynne, who is a former mayor of Blackpool, also owns other town centre businesses including the Rose and Crown on Corporation Street, and the Brew Room on Church Street.

During lockdown, deliveries of beer brewed at the Brew Room have been available for delivery across the Fylde coast.

Previously, Mr Wynne has said he had opted to go ahead with expanding the West Coast Rock Cafe despite the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

He said other developments such as the construction of a new conference centre alongside the Winter Gardens had helped inspire his confidence in Blackpool’s future.