Administration looms for £300m Blackpool Central developer
Nikal has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators after a leadership exodus.
The company was set to deliver the £300m Blackpool Central scheme, a regeneration project that includes proposals for a 1,300-space car park, 127,000 sq ft flying theatre, two indoor theme parks, a 200-bedroom hotel, 70,000 sq ft public square, and an array of bars and restaurants in the heart of the seaside town.
The car park is already built and in operation, with reserved matters permission required to bring forward the other elements of the leisure scheme.
Work on the project looks ready to slow again, with the recent court filing from Nikal.
The notice was filed on 16 October, according to Caseboard. It follows the departure of three of the company’s directors in September: Richard Fee, Jason Boland, and Michael Cochrane. Alan Murphy is the sole remaining director, according to Companies House.
Blackpool Council had been working with Nikal on Blackpool Central, including enabling works for the site. This meant the demolition of the old police station and court complex that currently occupies the 17-ace Blackpool Central site. This work is set to start early next year.
A spokesperson for the local authority reiterated the council’s dedication to the project.
“We had been negotiating with Nikal on how they would deliver the next phases of leisure and accommodation, and will be speaking to them to understand how this news affects those plans,” they said.
“We still have a clear commitment to deliver Blackpool Central and will be considering our next steps to progress it.”
Nikal was approached for comment.
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By Julia Hatmaker