Plans for first phase of Blackpool's £300m leisure development set to move forward

Documents lodged with Blackpool Council reveal the first phase of the Blackpool Central project would see a heritage quarter created using the Grade II Listed former King Edward VII Cinema and locally listed King Edward VII pub, both on Central Drive.

The destination would also feature a public square for live events such as concerts, light shows, sporting events and markets, sitting alongside new hotels, restaurants, a food market and multi-storey car park.

Developer Nikal Ltd and Media Invest Entertainment will launch consultation in the coming weeks ahead of seeking planning permission.

A scoping document has been submitted to the council in relation to the topics, methods of assessment and level of detail required in the environmental statement that must accompany any future planning application.

Richard Fee, chairman of Nikal Ltd said: “Blackpool Central will become a major new destination with everything from a new indoor theme park and public square, to hotels, restaurants and a heritage quarter.

“With high quality entertainment for all the family, this transformational project will bring hundreds of thousands of new visitors to Blackpool and provide a huge boost to the local economy.

“This first planning application is an important step forward and will see us deliver a new multi-storey car park and the heritage quarter, which will enable us to deliver the future phases.”

Norbert Reichart, chief executive officer, Media Invest, said: “We’re looking to create something never seen before, with world class rides and family entertainment, Blackpool Central will provide year-round attractions that will complement and future proof the town’s tourism offer.”

The scoping document also covers aspects of the scheme in outline including an indoor theme park boasting rides, the UK’s first flying theatre and an advanced virtual reality immersive experience.

Coun Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council said: “After working hard behind the scenes with developers Nikal and Media Invest Entertainment, we are delighted the project is now at the planning application stage and poised to transform Central Station car park in the next few years.”

The development is expected to be delivered in several phases over a five to 10 year period.

Subject to planning approval the multi-storey car park would take around 12 months to build, during which the existing surface car park will stay partly open.

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