New £30m hotel plan revealed for Blackpool Prom

The Singapore-based Fragrance Group wants to build a four star hotel boasting 184 bedrooms on the site of the former St Chad’s Hotel which has been demolished.

The hotel group already owns The Imperial Hotel and the Lyndene Hotel in Blackpool, and operates across three continents.

Permission was granted by Blackpool Council to bulldoze the St Chad’s Hotel, the Lyric Hotel, Regency Apartments and the Seaside Fish and Chip Shop between the Promenade, Woodfield Street, St Chad’s Road and Bolton Street.

The site was reduced to rubble in May.

Since the hotel closed in 2021 after the then operating company became insolvent, the building has been used by both the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire Police as a location for training exercises.

Martin Rogers, of the Fragrance Group, said: “Fragrance own hotels across three continents and investing in the tourism industry is core to the business.

“Our acquisitions in Blackpool over recent years show that we are committed to the area, and believe in its long-term potential.

“Because of this we are prepared to invest in high-quality hotel facilities which will improve the resort’s offer, attracting longer-term guests throughout the year and providing more than 40 permanent long-term jobs.

“The old hotel was no longer fit for purpose. It would have been uneconomic to attempt to refurbish it, and it could not have been brought up to the standards today’s guests expect.

“The plans reflect a proposed investment of around £30m which we hope will prove to be a catalyst for a wider improvement of the Promenade and Blackpool’s offer to visitors.

“We are consulting with the hotel’s neighbours and other key stakeholders, and sharing our plans with the public before submitting an application for planning permission to Blackpool Council.”

North West architects Falconer Chester Hall is drawing up the plans to replace the former St Chads which was acquired by the Fragrance Group in 2018.

The plans are available to view online at www.newhotelforblackpool.co.uk where there is also an opportunity for the public to offer feedback.