Wilko site could be on the move

Blackpool's Wilko's site has been earmarked to be part of the second phase of the £220m Talbot Gateway, it has been revealed.
Fred JacksonFred Jackson
Fred Jackson

As previously disclosed in The Gazette, Wilko’s could move from its current site in Talbot Road to Tower Street.

The relocation would be part of a scheme being put forward by businessman Peter Swann who owns the Sands entertainment venue on Central Promenade.

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He has applied to Blackpool Council for planning permission for a four-storey development on Tower Street which would be the second phase of the Houndshill Centre.

Tower Street Car Park in BlackpoolTower Street Car Park in Blackpool
Tower Street Car Park in Blackpool

Coun Fred Jackson, cabinet member for municipal assets, told a meeting of the council’s tourism, economy and resources scrutiny committee proposals were in the pipeline.

He was responding to a question in relation to the acquisition of property on Talbot Road which is listed in the council’s forward plan.

A decision is due to be made next month.

Coun Jackson said the issue related to the Wilko’s site.

Tower Street Car Park in BlackpoolTower Street Car Park in Blackpool
Tower Street Car Park in Blackpool

He added: “There is a planning application for work at Tower Street and it is connected with that.

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“It is their intention to move to Tower Street if they get planning permission, and the Wilko’s site will be part of phase two of the Talbot Gateway.

“We are in talks with our development partner Muse but there is a confidentiality agreement so there is very little I can say.”

The outline scheme for Tower Street is for retail, food and leisure use with internal access to the Houndshill at ground floor level.

Designs also include landscaping and public space along the pedestrianised section of Adelaide Street leading into the shopping centre.

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The first phase of the Talbot Gateway Central Business District has seen a Sainsbury’s supermarket and new council offices built.

The Talbot Road multi-storey car park has also been refurbished, with a restaurant now open on the ground floor and a gym due to open in the spring.

Proposals for the second phase had originally included a four star hotel on the site of St John’s car park on Topping Street, but those proposals have been shelved for the time being.