Contractor appointed for Blackpool courts demolition
Starting early next year, DSM Demolition will knock down the former police station, municipal courts, and the old joke shop on Central Drive to pave the way for future phases of the £300m Blackpool Central masterplan.
The relocation of the courts from the Blackpool Central site to Devonshire Road was made possible thanks to a £40m grant from the Ministry of Justice and is key to unlocking the 15-acre site for redevelopment.
Blackpool Council is on the hunt for a new partner for the scheme, which has outline planning approval for two indoor entertainment venues, an immersive theatre, a cultural quarter, a 200-bedroom hotel, and bars and restaurants.
Nikal, which drew up those plans, entered administration last month with debts of £40m. The final straw for the developer was a £4.6m penalty it was ordered to pay to Ballast Nedam, the contractor for the first phase of Blackpool Central, a 1,300-space car park.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said the scheme is still a priority for the town and “sits right at the heart of plans to make Blackpool better for everybody”.
“We’re committed to attracting a world-class leisure development that creates jobs for our local people, extends our tourism season to be all year round and supports our local economy to grow,” she said.
“The road to regeneration isn’t always smooth but we will not stand still. We will continue our plans to demolish the courts and the police station early in the new year, in order to create a shovel ready site for a new leisure attraction.”
