Blackpool History, Mystery, Heritage and Hauntings

Bit of a long read..however fingers crossed that we get some of this funding for he town ! Blackpool Council is ready to bid for significant government funding up to £25m that will help to renovate, transform and strengthen the future of the town centre as the next phase of its ambitious Town Centre Regeneration Strategy. Blackpool is one of 100 towns that has been shortlisted across the UK to develop plans to reinvent the high street, where a portion of the £1bn Future High Streets Fund could be used in a number of ways: To improve transport and access to the town Convert empty retail units into new homes, workplaces or places of leisure Upgrade vital infrastructure such as new public spaces or improving new smart digital technology for a vibrant, modern retail and leisure experience The Future High Streets Fund is a government scheme launched in 2018 as part of the £6.5bn Towns Fund designed initially to support and fund 50 local areas’ plans to make their high st...

The council has created a 25-year vision for the Revoe area of Blackpool, to improve the neighbourhood and rejuvenate areas including  Central Drive and Library Square.   The plan has been submitted by masterplanner GL Hearn to the council for sign-off. Revoelution, a residents committee formed to drive regeneration in Revoe, supported the creation of the masterplan. Improvements to existing housing stock and a boost to connectivity through the creation of green routes are among the proposals. Tree planting and new paving are aimed at revamping the street scene along with the creation of spaces for community initiatives.   A study, conducted last year by the Ministery of Housing, Communities & Local Government, found that Central Drive was the second most deprived community in the country, based on factors including i ncome, employment, crime, education, health, housing, and local environment.   The Governm...

Blackpool Council has said that it will take around five months to bring down the former Dickson Road store and car park.  I was lucky enough to be givern permission back in March to take interior shots ( glad I did before the official closing date due to lockdown ! ) Blackpool Council has confirmed that work will begin on the demolition of the town centre Wilko store in August this year.  ( however doesn't say which end of August - one bets that it will be the end to match when all the school's reopen.. )  After months of uncertainty around when work will commence on bringing down the derelict store and attached car park, the next stage of the plan has been laid out. The most recent announcement outlines the next phase of the Talbot Gateway regeneration scheme. It will pave the way for a new Holiday Inn Hotel and completion of the tramway extension following nearly two years of delays. The tramway is now due to be ...

Robertson Construction has been given the go-ahead to start demolition work next week for phase two of Blackpool’s £100m Talbot Gateway city centre regeneration. This phase will see the town’s existing Wilko store torn down, the completion of the new tramway interchange at Blackpool North Station, a new underpass, a four-star Holiday Inn hotel and restaurant, and new retail outlets. Robertson Construction Group has been appointed jointly by Blackpool Council and development partner, Muse Developments to carry out construction work which is expected to take around two years. Dirk Pittaway, Managing Director, Robertson North West, said: “Both Blackpool Council and Muse Developments have shown real commitment and drive in continuing to progress the project during recent months. “Clear procedures, including social distancing, will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved on site.” Proposed Schedule of Works Demolition of Wi...

Your may remeber my last blog on this subject if not ... https://juliettegregsonheritagephotographer.blogspot.com/2018/03/star-pub-derelict-and-now-gone.html So what has gone on since then .. Well now on the site of the old Star pub is the new Hotel from Amanda Thompson https://www.boulevardhotel.co.uk The Hotel blurb has the following to say - Located on Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool. Boulevard Hotel is a brand new seafront property at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Boasting 120 stylish rooms, including 08 junior suites, 02 park view suites, 08 coastal suites and family rooms with a mixture of coastal and park facing rooms. We offer everything you need for your conference or celebration, catering for up to 200 delegates or guests. The Shoreside Conference Centre provides unique meeting places with state of the art technology and turnkey event planning. Complemented by an innovative culinary team to provide the perfect menu to suit your event.  So b...