Project update: Highfield Gardens,Blackpool

The site on Highfield Road following demolition of Booths

Work is underway to build 26 new houses on the site of the former Booths supermarket on the corner of Highfield Road and Marshdale Road in South Shore.

A Co-op grocery store will also be built on the land, and the framework for that building is now being put up.

The development, which includes two, three and four-bedroomed houses, is being built by Blackpool-based company Melrose Homes.

The boarded up former Booths store before it was knocked down

It is called Highfield Gardens and the first homes are expected to be available by September.

A number of properties on the estate have already been reserved by potential new residents.

Booths demolished its store last year after closing it in 2015.

The outlet was replaced by a new Booths supermarket on Heyhouses Lane in St Annes.

Many residents were dismayed at the loss of the store but it was later announced that a Co-op would be part of the Highfield Gardens development.

A total of 28 car parking spaces will be provided for shoppers. The plans also include landscaping.

Melrose has been based in Blackpool for more than 25 years.

In that time it has grown into a comprehensive property group offering homes for sale, homes for rent, commercial offices and shops and development land for sale

Melrose says it has had “unprecedented” interest in the site since work began in January, followed by the start of piling in March.

The company adds: “The development consists of only 26 homes in total and so does not have the feel of a large new build estate.”