Talbot Gateway phase one completes

Muse Developments has completed the first phase of development at its 25-acre mixed-use scheme in Blackpool.

A 120,000 sq ft office, a 60,000 sq ft Sainsbury's and a 600-space multi-storey car park have all completed, with the fit-out for Sainsbury's due to start later this month.

Blackpool Council will be relocating into the offices and provides an anchor tenant for the £220m scheme. The office was designed by Aedas Architects and built by Eric Wright Construction.

Shepherd Construction was main contractor for the Sainsbury's building. Following an interior fit-out by Local Dialogue, the supermarket is due to be open by summer 2014.

Muse has appointed marketing communications consultancy the Write Angle to promote the Talbot Gateway development nationally to attract operators to the scheme.

Muse is understood to be in talks with hotel operators on the second phase of the scheme in order to deliver three new hotels, as well as 40,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space.

Mike Horner, regional director at Muse Developments, said: "We were impressed by the Write Angle's long-established track record in the property sector, their granular understanding of the market and their strong media contacts at local, regional and national level. We are looking forward to working with them to raise awareness of Talbot Gateway as a strategic, high quality office, retail and leisure location in Lancashire."

Overall, the £220m Talbot Gateway scheme will create new retail, commercial and community space for Blackpool in addition to town centre parking and transport facilities. The masterplan includes a public square, offices, restaurant and retail units, three hotels, and the supermarket.