Planners approve investment for former Blackpool store

Plans to breathe new life into premises formerly occupied by a Blackpool town centre store have got the go ahead.
The former Blacks store (picture Google)The former Blacks store (picture Google)
The former Blacks store (picture Google)

Blacks Haberdashery closed last year following many years trading in Edward Street, selling material and sewing aids.

Now plans to use part of the building as two new shops, with three two-bedroomed flats on the first floor, have been granted permission by Blackpool Council.

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Planners, who used delegated powers to approve the scheme which is in the town centre conservation area, said it was important any changes fitted in with recent work to improve the street scene in the area.

Their report setting out the decision says: "The new shopfronts would match the style and materials of those that have recently been completed on Topping Street and Deansgate through the Quality Corridors scheme.

"The first floor windows to the front are now to be in timber which is appropriate, and all would line through nicely."

It adds the investment would support existing businesses in the town centre.

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The report goes on to say: "Economically the scheme would have a very limited impact, but the creation of new retail and residential units would help to support local shops and services and some employment would be generated during conversion."

The Quality Corridor Scheme is a £1m project, funded by Blackpool Council and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to make the town centre more attractive.

Grants have been handed out to businesses in eligible streets but the scheme is currenty closed to new applications.