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17 March 2009 - Blackpool is today celebrating the signing of a major £220m development deal which is set to transform the town centre and create a booming new business district.
The Talbot Gateway agreement – between Blackpool Council and Muse Developments - marks a huge step forward for the regeneration of the town and shows clear investor confidence in the future of the town.
Centred around Blackpool North Station and Talbot Road, the 10 hectare project will transform visitors' arrival experience and see the creation of 160,000 square metres of new office and business space complemented by a new supermarket, hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Sir Howard Bernstein, Chairman of ReBlackpool, which has been working on the scheme since 2006, said: “This agreement marks the culmination of three years of hard work and marks a significant milestone in the regeneration of Blackpool and its transformation into a year-round resort.
“This project will transform a neglected and under-utilised area of the town into a welcoming family-friendly gateway, encouraging more people to visit, providing better services for local people and encouraging inward investment.”
The development will have a mix of uses, with Blackpool Council already committed to relocating its offices to a landmark building in the new pedestrianised square which is set to be created. There will be provision for modern town centre parking facilities and a public transport interchange. Alongside this, the plans also allow for the possibility of replacement courts, divisional police headquarter buildings, a health centre and a new library.
Muse Developments was selected as preferred developer in 2007 and since then has been working closely with ReBlackpool and Blackpool Council to refine the plans. The signing of this agreement marks the company's commitment to the project and to the town itself.
Muse regional director, Mike Horner, said: “Talbot Gateway is an exciting scheme for Blackpool. It is much needed and will provide the town with a vibrant new civic focus, comprising a mix of uses and buildings and a step up in quality for local residents and businesses alike. It is a scheme to help revitalise the town centre and help establish Blackpool once again as the principal commercial centre of the Fylde sub-region.
“Even in these difficult economic times we are confident of our investment in Blackpool and we now look forward to working alongside the Council and the NWDA to bring about change on the ground at the earliest possible opportunity.”