Blackpool tips long-awaited office to resi conversion for consent
Mexford House, a former civil service building that has been vacant for more than a decade, is to be converted into 78 flats, subject to securing planning approval next week.
Developer Mexford Group submitted an application in July 2022 to convert the 23,000 sq ft building off Mexford Avenue into 87 apartments.
In the intervening 18 months, the proposals have been slightly scaled back, with a reduction of nine units.
Blackpool Council’s planning committee will meet next week to determine the application.
The site, which abuts Unity Academy, is located off Mexford Avenue in a largely residential area.
The three-storey Mexford House was used by the Department for Work and Pensions between 1971 and 2009 when it closed.
At that time, staff were relocated to other locations around Blackpool, including Warbreck House and Ryscar House.
These offices are among those set to close when staff relocate into a new 215,000 sq ft civil service hub in Blackpool town centre, part of the Talbot Gateway regeneration being led by Muse Developments.
MK Commercial Design is the architect for the project and Smith & Love Planning Consultants is also advising.
To learn more about the scheme, search for reference number 22/0512 on Blackpool Council’s planning portal.
78 flats in a building like this is going backwards in terms of futuristic living, it is similar in style to the old inner city ghetto
By Adam Thornton
Yes 1,700 to be accomodated at the new site, not 3,000 as management are reporting. See original planning application submitted to Blackpool Council
By Anonymous