Blackpool approves second large town centre office

Muse’s six-storey workspace will be constructed on the site of the former Apollo 2000 store after the council granted approval for the project last night.

Expected to be home to more than 400 civil servants once complete, the 53,000 sq ft Blackpool office would be the second civil service hub built in the town in short order.

Work on a 215,000 sq ft office on nearby King Street to be occupied by the DWP is ongoing.

Both offices were designed by Make Architects and form part of Blackpool Council’s Talbot Gateway masterplan, which is being delivered by Muse.

A report to Blackpool’s planning committee, which approved the scheme, stated that the latest office “would deliver clear economic and social benefits by bringing approximately 410 workers into the town centre who would support local shops and services”.

The site of the development, located close to Blackpool North train station within the Talbot Gateway regeneration zone, has been clear for several years following the demolition of the Apollo 2000 store.

Avison Young is advising on planning, Re-form is advising on landscape, and Arup is the structural engineer. Cundall, AECOM, Hannan Associates, and WSP also feature on the project team.

To learn more, search for planning reference 24/0215 on Blackpool Council’s planning portal.