Tesco taking over Topshop and Miss Selfridge in Blackpool town centre

Friday, 27 March 2026 16:21

By Richard Hunt

Work is now under way for a new Tesco store in the heart of Blackpool town centre.

The former Miss Selfridge/Topman/Topshop unit at 18-22 Victoria Street, opposite from the Hounds Hill shopping centre, is now boarded up as extensive work is carried out inside.

A public notice advertised that Tesco Stores was applying to Blackpool Council for a premises license to allow the sale of alcohol to be served off the premises from Monday to Sunday, between the hours of 6 am to midnight.

In addition, an application has been submitted for the “Display of 1 internally illuminated fascia signs , 4 non illuminated fascia signs and 1 internally illuminated, double sided projecting sign” at the site.

The planning documents state that the site is earmarked for a Tesco Express, with the signs all consisting of the chain’s name and branding.

Tesco first expressed its intent to open a store at 18-22 Victoria Street back in February 2023.

At the time permission was granted for the “installation of new shop front to ground floor and external alterations to include a roof lift to create second floor, creation of third floor garden roof terrace, additional doors and windows, balconies to front and rear and use of first and second floors as altered as 8 self contained holiday flats.”

Planning documents revealed the changes to the ground floor were to permit the use of the existing retail unit as a Tesco Express . Two years later the project is finally under way.

There are currently five Tesco Express outlets in Blackpool, on Whitegate Drive, Lytham Road, Ansdell Road, Marton Drive in Marton and at Westcliffe Drive in Layton.

Tesco also has a large hypermarket spanning approximately 150,000 square feet. on Clifton Road, Marton, which features a café, petrol station, and broad non-food ranges.

It is not yet known when the new store is expected to open.

Tesco has been approached for a comment and further details.

Shoppers in Blackpool town centre have welcomed the plans.

Sean Rogers, 26, of Layton, said: “It will be good to have another decent shop in the town centre, Blackpool needs more shops.”

Joyce Clare, of Bispham, said: “Any new shops in the town centre are welcome. We don’t want empty shops here.”