Traffic delays expected as Wilko's demolition to start in Blackpool

Contractors have spent the last few months preparing for the regeneration milestone, with the levelling of the site on Talbot Road set to make way for a new hotel and tram terminal.

Drivers are being warned to make extra time for journeys through the area from Monday as traffic measures are introduced.

There will be temporary traffic lights at the junction of High Street and Talbot Road, and the junction of Dickson Road and Talbot Road.

Talbot Road and High Street will only be partially closed so traffic will continue to flow in both directions.

As soon as it is safe to do so, pavements will reopen and temporary traffic lights will be removed after approximately four weeks.

Coun Mark Smith, cabinet member for business, enterprise and job creation, said: “There’s a lot of development activity in Blackpool at the moment and a real sense of excitement and anticipation across the town.

“We’re building for the future prosperity of Blackpool and the demolition of Wilko’s marks the next chapter in our ambitious regeneration plans.

“Local residents and businesses can see the progress we are making and that all the hard work is starting to pay off.”

The council dismissed concerns the start of demolition could clog up Illuminations traffic as most visitors use alternative routes into the town, mainly Squires Gate Lane.

Blackpool North Station will remain open and accessible for pedestrians and vehicles.

The demolition of Wilko’s will make way for building work to start on a Holiday Inn Hotel and tram terminal, which are both due to open in summer 2022.

It is hoped this will improve the first impressions of people arriving in the town from Blackpool North Station by providing modern transport facilities, shops and places to eat and drink.

The Wilko’s building opened as a Fine Fare supermarket in the late 1970s. Around 40 jobs were lost when Wilko’s closed at the end of March, but a new store is proposed as part of the second phase of the Houndshill shopping centre.

The scheme was delayed due to the change of ownership of the Houndshill, which the council bought last year for £48m.