Blackpool town centre could see the construction of more offices as the council initiates negotiations to attract further investment to the resort. Earlier this year, work commenced on a £100m seven-storey office block on King Street, to accommodate over 3,000 civil servants starting from 2025.
Efforts are now underway for an additional phase of office development, forming part of the Talbot Gateway masterplan near North Station. To kickstart the scheme, the council has allocated £775,000 for the creation of initial designs and will be reimbursed accordingly.
No specific information has been disclosed regarding the proposed office's exact location or the interested party behind the development. However, according to a council report: "Discussions are underway regarding a specific opportunity for an office with a net internal area (NIA) of approximately 4,860m² (52,300 sq.ft.)."
This potential office space would be smaller in comparison to the civil service building, which boasts a floor space of 215,000 sq ft. The council aims to revitalise the town centre by attracting more employees, thereby boosting local business spending.
The report states: "This will be achieved through either relocation or inward investment into the town centre as part of the Talbot Gateway Masterplan."
Furthermore, the report emphasises the significance of seizing this opportunity for a future phase of the Talbot Gateway, which will accommodate a substantial office development. Securing high-quality jobs is the prime objective for Talbot Gateway, not only expanding footfall in the town centre and encouraging upgrades to retail and restaurant facilities but also enhancing job prospects for local residents.
Negotiations between the council, Muse Developments, and the interested party are in progress, accompanied by the development of preliminary designs aligned with the party's requirements. The occupant of the office will purchase a long lease on the land and enter into a funding agreement with the council and its development partner, Muse Developments Limited, for construction purposes.
The initial phase of Talbot Gateway Central Business District, completed in 2014, saw £80m invested in council offices at Bickerstaffe House, a Sainsbury's store, and refurbishment of the Talbot Road multi-storey car park. Phase two, scheduled for early 2024, encompasses a £34m Holiday Inn hotel and a new tram terminal. Phase three will introduce the £100m civil service hub.
In addition, the council has secured £40m of Levelling Up funding to establish a multiversity education campus on a Cookson Street site, adjacent to Charles Street and Milbourne Street.
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