Work is finally underway to build a brand new hotel and bar on South Shore promenade following the demolition of the original Art Deco Yates Bar building.
Blackpool Council planners approved fresh proposals to build from scratch a completely new version of the hotel and bar on February 18, after the original plans to extensively revamp the locally-listed pub drastically changed.
The proposed multi-million pound regeneration was expected to see much of the original building retained, despite it falling into disrepair. Emphasis was made on keeping the distinctive Art Deco façade at the front.
But the condition of the property was much worse than originally believed. Chronic deterioration of the concrete and steel structure of the building meant that the original infrastructure could not be made safe. The whole building had to be demolished.
This week, the site was a hive of activity, with workmen making the site ready for construction to finally begin.
A member of the team said the building was expected to be completed by next year.
The project entails the erection of a three-storey building at 407-411 Promenade, Blackpool, comprising of a hotel and drinking establishment with extended food provision and function space.
A revised planning statement on behalf of the application, from architect firm Abbott Hull Associates, states: “The replacement building is to be of the same scale and footprint, together with a change of use to a hotel and drinking establishment with extended food provision.
“The proposal includes ancillary dining and events space, an additional storey, a roof terrace, a front canopy with roof terrace above, a three-storey rear extension, and a single-storey glazed rear seating area, along with external rendering and cladding.
“This addendum summarises the structural findings, sets out the rationale for demolition, and demonstrates that the proposal continues to comply with the relevant planning policy framework.”
Some 13 planning conditions were attached to the planning permission.
The former Yates bar on the Blackpool seafront (South Shore) was originally known as the Lion Hotel.
Opened in 1937 and designed by architect Halstead Best, it was an iconic Art Deco property with a circular tower and red brick façade before its closure in 2022 and subsequent demolition.
Although the original has gone, it won’t be forgotten, serving as the inspiration for the new building set to replace it.
In its time the Yates Bar was a busy venue and one of the most popular bars on South Shore seafront.
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