Muse secures consents in Blackpool

Blackpool Council has granted planning permission for Muse Developments to build the first phase of its £220m, 928,000 sq ft mixed-use project in the town centre.

The first phase will include a 135,000 sq ft Sainsbury's store, refurbishment of a multi-storey car park and a new council office building. Three seperate applications were submitted.

Later phases will contain further offices, retail, hotels and a transport interchange near Blackpool station.

Gary Halman, partner at HOW Planning, advising Muse, said: "The proposals will bring much needed investment and create new employment opportunities for Blackpool. These approvals will kick-start the first phase of this large regeneration scheme in a part of the town that is in urgent need of new investment."

A compulsory purchase order made by the council on sites in the development area was approved by government in October. Keppie Massie advised Blackpool Council.