Demolition crew moves in on boarded up homes behind Blackpool FC’s stadium

A demolition crew this week have arrived on the site of boarded up terraced houses at the back of Blackpool FC’s stadium, Bloomfield Road.

Plans to demolish the houses on Henry Street as part of a major sports-themed regeneration project in Blackpool have taken another step forward, after a three year delay.

Back in early February, an application seeking approval for demolition of existing dwellings (Prior Approval) at 2-28 Henry Street was approved by the planning officer at Blackpool Council.

This week, Preston-based I&R Demolition were on the site to “soft strip” the interior of the buildings.

However, the houses are unlikely to be bulldozed this month, as one last remaining home is owned by a private landlord and is still occupied by a family who are renting the home.

Negotiations between the landlord and Blackpool Council are continuing.

The long row of terraced homes backs onto the Bloomfield Road football stadium, where initial plans entailed the demolition of the houses to allow the construction of a new East Stand, with a planning application expected to be lodged.

However, those plans have changed and the proposals now entail an upgrade of the existing stand rather than the building of a new one.

The East Stand at Bloomfield Road is undergoing a major refurbishment, including new decking, 4,797 new Tangerine seats, and improved media facilities.

Structural improvements also include a new suspended TV gantry to enhance broadcasting capabilities.

The extra space freed up by the demolition will allow for the creation of a new concourse behind the stand and a public realm area.

Further work on this project is set to continue in the summer, once the football season has ended.

It is likely that some of the work will require a planning application to Blackpool Council.

Another project in the area is the new Revoe Sports Village, adjacent to the Bloomfield Road stadium.

This will feature an enclosed full-size 11-a-side artificial grass pitch and a five-a-side artificial grass pitch, both with floodlighting. Funded by the Town Deal, this community facility includes a single-storey changing pavilion and storage building.

The submission which was approved in February includes details of the demolition process.

A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: “Planning approval for the demolition of the properties on Henry Street marks an important first step in revitalising this area of the town.

“Houses have been acquired through negotiations with property owners and are now vacant, with former tenants having already found alternative accommodation. Negotiations are continuing with the remaining property.”