Council to seek residents’ views over multi-million pound project

One of Blackpool’s most ambitious and exciting regeneration projects has moved a step further – and residents will get to play their part as well.

Two expert firms have now been brought in to engage the community whilst seeking leisure investors to deliver the multi-million pound Blackpool Central scheme.

Newmark, the global commercial real estate advisory firm, will collaborate with theleisureway, a Spanish architectural practice with a strong track record in European master planning, to work with Blackpool Council on a new vision for the project.

Both companies are committed to working with local residents and stakeholders to understand the best use of the land to benefit the local economy, ahead of attracting private sector investment to a new scheme.

The two companies were selected following an open tender process, after first hearing about the scheme and Blackpool’s wider ambitions for regeneration at the major property event, MIPIM, earlier this year.

What is Blackpool Central?

Blackpool Central is a 10-acre site in the shadow of The Blackpool Tower. It is accessible via a direct road off the M55 motorway, as well as via Blackpool Tower tram stop.

The site opens up onto Blackpool Promenade and seafront, as well as the resort’s main area for major events such as Blackpool Illuminations, Blackpool Air Show and the World Fireworks Championship Blackpool.

The site already has outline planning permission for indoor attractions, hotels and restaurants, as well as full planning permission to create a heritage quarter converting the King Edward VII Cinema and apartments into a food and drink hall, aparthotel and retail space.

The viability of these proposals will be considered as part of a full review on how to deliver a world-class leisure offer for the site.

A 1,306 space multi-storey car park opened in 2024, while demolition of the police station and courts building have created a site which now ‘shovel-ready’ for development.

Following the demolition, Bonny Street car park has re-opened, while the council is exploring temporary uses of the additional land that do not impact future investment.

There was a massive and unexpected setback in October last year when Manchester-based developer Nika Ltd, which was to deliver the project, filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators.

But the council is pressing on with its intentions to bring the project to fruition.

What they say

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Blackpool Central sits right at the heart of our plans to make Blackpool better for everybody.

“I believe that this has the potential to be one of the most exciting investment sites in the country.

“We have made huge strides in the last few years, getting private sector investment to complete a new car park and knocking down the old courts building, both of which have been a blocker to development for decades.

“Given the location, it needs to be some form of leisure use, but we have an open mind about what exactly that could be, as long as it creates all year round quality jobs and visitor experiences. The consultants have committed that, as with all our projects, they will speak to the community to understand what can have the biggest impact on the town.”

Will Chamberlain, Associate Director of New Business within Newmark’s Retail Consultancy and Analytics team, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Blackpool Council to help realise the potential of Blackpool Central.

“Our ambition is to attract investment that activates the town’s vision and drives wider regeneration across Blackpool

“This is a pivotal opportunity for Blackpool, and over the next 12 months, our focus will be on building momentum, engaging the right partners and laying the foundations for long-term success.”

Gastón Gaitán, Founder and CEO of theleisureway, said: “We understand leisure as an emotional state of mind, a way of feeling good. At Blackpool, we aim to not only create a destination of leisure, but rather a destination of life.

“This is an opportunity to create a new generation space, connecting with the town heritage, bringing global trends that attract both locals and tourists, and making an impact on local businesses.

“Blackpool has a unique personality and needs its own recipe. Our goal is to craft a tailor-made leisure ecosystem that blends with the surroundings and delivers an emotional and economical value that elevates the attractiveness of the area.”

Work to demolish the buildings and court has been supported by a £6.95m grant by UK Government as part of the Blackpool Town Deal.