Project update

What's happening?
An artists impression of the Premier Inn proposed for the Yates' site in BlackpoolAn artists impression of the Premier Inn proposed for the Yates' site in Blackpool
An artists impression of the Premier Inn proposed for the Yates' site in Blackpool

Planning permission was granted in 2015 for a 150-bedroomed hotel on the vacant Yates’s site in Talbot Square. The £7m six storey scheme by Premier Inn also includes a Brewers Fayre restaurant on the ground floor. 
Revised plans had been submitted including reducing the height of the building and re-introducing a first floor wrought iron balcony facing Talbot Square, after initial proposals were rejected by the planning committee . 
The site has been vacant since Yates’s Wine Lodge was demolished following a devastating fire in February 2009.

When will it start?

Originally it was hoped work would begin last year, but development has stalled. However it was revealed at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday that developers have now gone out to tender in order to appoint a construction partner to start work on the site. 
Premier Inn has now confirmed the tender process is complete and the company is finalising a contract award with the preferred contractor.
Legal agreements are in the process of being completed with respect to road changes. A spokesman said: “Both the client and Whitbread are very keen to start on site with the construction works as soon as possible.”

Why is it important?

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The site is within a conservation area opposite North Pier and is considered to be a key location in the town.

Reaction
Coun Maxine Callow raised concerns about the lack of progress at full council. 
She said: “It is a conservation area and it looks dreadful”, and added it was “worrying her greatly”.
She told the meeting: “We have tatty hoardings and fly posters and it is a prime location.”
Council leader Coun Simon Blackburn said he “shared her concerns” but added “developers have gone out to tender for someone to start work on this site”.