Muse submits Talbot Gateway plans

Muse Developments said it will start on site with the £220m scheme in 2011 if planning permission is granted by Blackpool Council.

The proposed 35-acre development will deliver 850,000 sq ft of offices alongside a supermarket, hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants around Blackpool North Station and Talbot Road.

The scheme will be anchored by new 85,000 sq ft headquarters offices for Blackpool Council which is seeking to centralise many of its services and move 1,200 staff to the Talbot Gateway site.

Mike Horner, regional director at Muse, which was appointed preferred developer in April 2007, said: "Our development will deliver huge, transformational change to this part of Blackpool. The creation of a new vibrant commercial district around the train station and a new transport interchange, with supporting retail and leisure facilities as well as vast improvements to the public realm, will create hundreds of new jobs and attract new investors and occupiers to the town.

"This scheme will change the face of the town and we're hopeful that it will act as a catalyst for growth for the rest of Blackpool."

Doug Garrett, chief executive of ReBlackpool, the urban regeneration company, added: "Talbot Gateway is a scheme that will bring business and the local community together in a high quality public space, making the area more attractive to new ventures – and ultimately creating employment, growth and further opportunities for investment. The aim of this project is to transform Blackpool into a year-round resort and revitalize the town centre – a much needed venture for both residents and tourists."

Phase one will consist of the food superstore and council offices together with new public realm and infrastructure works.

The scheme will be delivered in partnership with Blackpool Council, ReBlackpool and the North West Development Agency. Significant grant funding believed to be in the region of £20m has yet to be finalised.