Demolition marks next phase of Blackpool town centre transformation

Demolition began on Monday July 25 to prepare a site between East Topping Street, Cookson Street, King Street and Deansgate for construction of the seven storey office block which will accommodate around 3,000 staff.

The enabling phases of the project are expected to be completed by November when the main construction phase is due to begin.

Work will start by putting in foundations, followed by construction of the main structure and external facade before internal development and fit out, with most of the office space expected to be open plan.

The external facade installation will include pre-cast modules comprising a mix of modular materials and glazing, fixed into position and braced off the steel frame.

The offices will be constructed in a wedge shape between Deansgate and Charles Street with a new public square on the north eastern corner and a pedestrianised, tree-lined avenue connecting this space into King Street.

At ground floor level there will be a reception area, cycle store, small gym room and staff changing facilities. The six upper floors will provide open-plan office space around a central staircase.

The scheme also includes the conversion of the former Hop Inn pub into a new dental surgery.

It is due to be completed in autumn 2024 when staff from the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) will transfer from existing sites at Warbreck House and Ryscar House in a move estimated to boost the town centre economy by up to £8m a year.

The £100m cost of the offices includes £82m from council borrowing which will be recouped in rent throughout the 25-year lease, with the DWP putting the remainder of the money in.

When the scheme was announced, council leader Coun Lynn Williams said it wasthe result of several years of negotiations.

She said: “The relocation of just over 3,000 DWP employees will bring considerably more footfall into the area, with a massive boost to local businesses, retailers, restaurants, cafes and leisure facilities, but also bringing new, high quality job opportunities for local residents.”