Work set to start on latest phase of Blackpool regeneration

Blackpool town centre’s next phase of regeneration could soon be underway.A proposal set to go before the council’s Executive on 23 March will ask for funding to facilitate the demolition of a Wilko store, as well as the completion of the new tramway interchange at Blackpool North Station, a four-star Holiday Inn and restaurant, and retail and leisure facilities.The work will form part of the second phase of Talbot Gateway.Wilko is due to close its store at the end of March and, subject to the agreement of a revised £34.6m budget, demolition is due to start on site within weeks. The new total reflects “inflationary increases in the construction programme and additional works including more rooms in the hotel”.Blackpool Council has entered into a franchise agreement with International Hotel Group (IHG) for the 144-bedroom Holiday Inn, which is due to open in 2022, creating up to 50 jobs.The authority and Muse Developments have been working in partnership to develop the Central Business District since entering into a Development Agreement in March 2009.