Austringer pivots to self-storage at Blackpool cinema site
Having previously secured permission to convert the now-vacant Odeon at Festival Leisure Park into a family entertainment centre, the developer is now taking a different approach.
A lack of interest from prospective leisure occupiers since consent for the change of use was granted last summer has prompted Austringer Capital to change tack.
The developer has lodged an application with Blackpool Council to convert 30,000 sq ft of the 45,000 sq ft former cinema into a self-storage facility with Storage King lined up to operate it.
Baker Proudlove had been looking for an operator for the former Odeon building since last September but there “was no firm interest or new lease proposals from leisure operators to occupy the building”, according to the agency.
A planning statement by WSP states there is a “risk that the building will remain vacant in the long term if the occupation by Storage King is not facilitated”.
As well as the self-storage facility, the transformed Odeon will feature three restaurant units at 138sqm, 140sqm and 205sqm.
Bowman Riley is the architect for the project.
Elsewhere at Festival Leisure Park there is a Bannatyne health club, a recently opened bingo hall, a McDonald’s, and a Frankie and Bennies. Construction of a Starbucks drive-thru is ongoing.
To learn more about Austringer’s plans, search for reference number 23/0511 on Blackpool Council’s planning portal.
