Next step for £300m Blackpool leisure development

The council’s executive is being asked to approve a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to enable regeneration chiefs to complete the land assembly for the Blackpool Central project.

A masterplan for the site on Central Car Park includes a flying theatre, virtual reality rides, a thrill and gaming zone, multi-media exhibition space and themed dining areas.

Twelve months ago the council agreed to lease the land for 250 years to Nikal Ltd and Media Invest Entertainment who are behind the hi-tech Chariot of the Gods themed flying theatre attraction.

Including highways, the council now has a freehold interest in nearly 98 per cent of the land required, but wants a CPO to ensure full control of the 17 acre development site.

The order includes properties on Central Drive including the King Edward VII pub, the former King Edward cinema next door and properties between 13 and 39 Central Drive, which are mainly shops with holiday flats above.

Also included is Bonny Street Market and Central Car Park including the public toilets and the coach passenger office.

A report to the next meeting of the executive on Monday (Jan 25) says: “Including highways, the council now has a freehold interest in approximately 97.98 per cent of the order land.

“However, negotiations to date have failed to achieve the voluntary acquisition of all the interest in the order land.

“Whilst negotiations will continue, and it is hoped that it will be possible to acquire more interests voluntarily, it would currently appear that compulsory purchase powers are needed to achieve the necessary site assembly.”

A planning application for the development is expected to be submitted early this year, with development proposed in four phases.

The initial enabling phase will see a multi-storey car park built to replace the loss of surface car parking, with the whole scheme expected to take nine years to complete.

* Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here