UK: Blackpool Council has approved plans to convert the former Jobcentre on Queen Street into a 22-unit aparthotel, despite 66 objections from residents and businesses.
The aparthotel is being developed and operated by Premier Property Investments (NW) Limited. The company said it plans to manage the property like a hotel, featuring a staffed reception and check-in kiosk.
Vacant since 2018, the three-storey building at 43 Queen Street will be transformed to include a manager’s office, laundry room, luggage store, and a staffed reception area, with 12 car parking spaces.
The neighbouring Galleon Bar, which holds a four am licence, expressed concerns about potential noise complaints from future guests.
To mitigate this, the developer said it will install specialised glazing with ventilation, allowing windows to remain closed while permitting airflow.
Susan Parker, head of development management at Blackpool Council, stated that noise complaints from holiday guests staying at the aparthotel would not be treated in the same manner as those from Blackpool residents.
Planning committee chairman Dave Flanagan acknowledged the objections but emphasised the benefits of bringing a long-standing empty building back into productive use. He noted that the development would “contribute to the vitality of the town centre” and provide the “type of holiday accommodation people are looking for”.
The site was originally occupied by Christ Church, built in 1871, before being demolished in 1982 and replaced by the current Jobcentre building.
