Muse’s £220m regeneration scheme secures planning permission

Blackpool Council has approved Muse Developments' £220m Talbot Gateway scheme which will deliver wholesale regeneration of the key development site and transform the famous Lancashire seaside town.

The proposed mixed-use development will deliver a comprehensive regeneration of the north east part of the town centre, around Blackpool North Station and Talbot Road.

It comprises over 330,000 sq ft of office and business space including new Council offices, complemented by a 90,000 sq ft food superstore, four hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants. Residential units and a new doctor's surgery are also planned as part of the scheme.

The centrepiece of the 25-acre scheme will be a pedestrian friendly public square opposite the station which will become a meeting place and an attractive new gateway arrival point for visitors to the town.

Mike Horner, regional director at Muse, said: "The Talbot Gateway development is a key component of the new era which Blackpool is facing and we are delighted that the application has been recommended for approval. The development will completely transform this part of Blackpool, providing a much needed catalyst for the ongoing regeneration of the town centre.

"The creation of a vibrant new commercial district around the train station with supporting retail and leisure facilities, as well as huge improvements to the public realm, will create hundreds of new jobs and retain many successful businesses in the town centre. It will also help attract new investment, and new occupiers and visitors to the town."

Doug Garrett, Chief Executive of ReBlackpool, said: "It's great news for the town that the planning application for the Talbot Gateway scheme has progressed positively. The £220m regeneration project will deliver an impressive arrival experience for those coming into Blackpool by rail and ultimately will create employment and further opportunities for investment in the local economy."

Gary Halman, partner at HOW Planning which submitted the planning application on behalf of Muse, said: "We are delighted that the Council has viewed the proposal so positively. It's a high quality scheme which ticks all the boxes in terms of large regeneration projects; mixed-use, Brownfield land and exceptionally well served by public transport; one which will transform this rather unloved part of the town centre."

Muse is aiming to start onsite with the first phase in 2011. It will consist of the new food superstore and Council offices as well as public realm improvements and infrastructure works.

The scheme will be delivered in partnership with Blackpool Council, urban regeneration company ReBlackpool and the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

Muse signed a development agreement with Blackpool Council in March 2009 and local consultation on the Master Plan followed before the submission of the planning application in December 2009.