Work completes on Stanley Buildings as The Robinson prepares to open for business

Work to renovate an iconic Blackpool town centre building has completed, as it prepares for a new future as a hub for growing local businesses.

Blackpool Council has completed a £8.2m transformation of Stanley Buildings, breathing new life into a heritage building 90 years after it first opened.

The transformation includes opening The Robinson, a new business growth hub, designed to help local companies grow.

Disused space in the upper floors has been refurbished to offer 44 private offices for lease, as well as six meeting rooms and a vibrant co-working environment.

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said: “This fantastic restoration shows how we’re making Blackpool better and creating more opportunities for businesses to create jobs for local people.

“This is an iconic Blackpool building that has been restored by Blackpool businesses using Blackpool workers, in order to help new Blackpool businesses to grow.

“It’s a real local success story of how we’re using regeneration and construction to benefit everybody in the town.

“The Robinson is a symbol of Blackpool’s confidence in its future. This building once embodied the innovation of the 1930s, and it now stands ready to inspire a new generation of businesses, entrepreneurs, and collaborators. I’m proud to see the building reimagined with renewed purpose and a future-facing vision.

“It’s an exciting time to be a business in Blackpool town centre, as thousands of workers and students move into this area, offering lots of opportunities for local people to find work or start businesses.”

Work to the rest of the building has included repairing and replacing faience blocks, refurbishing the roof and installing new windows. Investment in solar panels and air source heat pumps will significantly lower the building’s carbon impact.

Renovation work has included the replacement of 18 shopfront units with further works underway to ensure the retail units are ready to occupy.  The project will attract more businesses into the town centre to benefit from Blackpool Council’s £350m regeneration of the area, bringing over 8,000 workers and students into the area in the coming years.

The Robinson is named in honour of John Charles Robinson, Blackpool Corporation’s former chief architect, who between 1920-1944 designed many of Blackpool’s landmark civic buildings including Stanley Buildings, a symbol of art deco elegance. The Robinson reflects that same spirit of progress, with beautifully designed spaces for working, meeting and co-working.

The triangular shaped Stanley Buildings, with its distinctive cream art deco façade, was opened in 1935 and originally comprised 26 shops at ground floor level with corporation offices above called Stanley Chambers.

Original architectural features have been carefully preserved and complemented by modern amenities, including ultra-fast broadband and thoughtfully designed communal spaces.

The project has been funded by Blackpool Council and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity and Town Deal Funds.

Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities Miatta Fahnbulleh MP said: "This is exactly the kind of transformation we want to see in town centres across the country.

“We're proud to help fund this brilliant project that's turned an old and iconic building into a modern place where local businesses can grow and create jobs for people across Blackpool."

The project has brought together a team of respected local companies, including Cassidy + Ashton as lead architects, F Parkinson Ltd as main contractor, Bev Wood Design for interiors, and Happy Creative leading on branding and marketing. Their combined expertise has played a vital role in bringing The Robinson to life.

Blackpool-based F Parkinsons has delivered substantial social value and community benefit throughout the project, channelling significant spend to local suppliers, employing new apprentices and supporting community projects like the New Langdale Group and Anchorsholme Petanque Club.

Canadian maple panelling was saved and recycled from Blackpool Magistrates Courts reused as part of the interior design.

Shortly open for viewings, The Robinson offers a workspace designed to support the evolving needs of today’s businesses. With a blend of heritage architecture and contemporary design, the building is already attracting interest from entrepreneurs, professional service companies and established organisations.

The popular Blackpool Growth Business Academy will also have a presence on site, providing tailored business support and personalised growth plans and various events.