Project update: Blackpool Magistrates Court set to make way for redevelopment

Talks have also been held over the relocation of the magistrates court from the site now rebranded the Central Leisure Quarter (CLQ).

With Bonny Street police station already moving, relocating the courts is the next key stage in preparing the site for investment.

Where will the courts move to?

No decision has been made yet on a new site, but a council report says “over recent months council officers have also been in discussion with HMCTS (Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service) regarding the potential relocation of the existing court facilities”.

It adds this “is the key remaining factor to unlocking the potential of the whole CLQ site.”

What next?

Tenders are currently being sought to undertake a feasibility study with a number of alternative sites for the courts being reviewed.

This study should be completed by late spring and will form part of the future negotiations with both the developer and HMCTS, as the scheme progresses.

Reaction:

In her report to full council, deputy leader Coun Gillian Campbell said: “ Discussions with the international developer working on the CLQ are progressing well following the signing of the exclusivity agreement in spring 2017.

“We are expecting to receive the submission of an outline masterplan for the development this spring.

“This masterplan will then enable discussions to move onto a more detailed design, potential development agreements and long-term land and property arrangements.”