UK: The latest plans for the £300 million Blackpool Central mixed-use development, which include an aparthotel, have recommended for approval.
Outline plans have been lodged to demolish buildings on the site which is bounded by Central Drive, New Bonny Street, Bonny Street, Seasiders Way and Chapel Street.
The plans include three indoor theme park buildings, a hotel, new public realm space, a coach station, car park and F&B outlets. All matters are reserved.
Full planning permission is also sought for an aparthotel and drinking establishment plans and a seven-level multi-storey car park with 1,300 parking spaces. This part of the application is centred around the former King Edward VII Picture House, King Edward Public House and King Edward apartments.
The development by Nikal and Media Invest Entertainment could lead to the creation of around 1,000 jobs.
Both the outline and full plans have been recommended for approval ahead of a meeting of Blackpool Council’s planning committee. An application seeking listed building consent for the King Edward VII Picture House has also been instructed to be approved.
A report published ahead of the meeting said: “The application proposes major-scale, leisure-led development on a site that is allocated in the Development Plan for comprehensive redevelopment to provide a compelling new reason for people to visit Blackpool. Efforts to secure such development on the site have been on-going for over twenty years without success. Whilst the scheme proposed would not fully meet the aspirations of planning policy, it would nevertheless deliver a range of significant benefits to the resort in terms of increased visitor numbers and economic output and prosperity.
It added: “The development has the potential to improve perceptions of the resort and act as a catalyst for future investment. Subject to conditions, it is considered that the attractions proposed would complement rather than undermine existing elements of the resort offer.”
Blackpool Council’s planning committee will meet on Tuesday 12 October.
