Permission secured for revamp of St Annes department store 

The former home of retailer JR Taylor is to be converted into a boutique hotel, spa and restaurant under plans from Corbenyah Properties. 

Designed by Blackpool-based WBD Architectural Consultants, the revamp of the 20,000 sq ft department store also features plans for a rooftop bar. 

Under the plans, the spa will be in the basement of the three-storey building, while the ground floor will be occupied by a restaurant. 

The first floor is to house medical uses and massage rooms, with the second floor to be the location of four large hotel/Airbnb self-serviced suites. 

Fylde Council’s planning committee met this morning [Wednesday] and approved the plans that will see the vacant St Annes Square building brought back into use. 

A report to the committee said: “Investment in the building is a sign that market confidence is returning and it is hoped that the redevelopment will have a positive impact for the wider town centre, acting as a catalyst for other regeneration projects.” 

JR Taylor closed its doors in January 2015 and has been empty since. 

Central to the redevelopment project is glazing work including the addition of glass cladding to the corner bay and glazed balconies, along with the replacement of ground floor glazing. Canopy alterations and timber treatments are also included. 

WBD said that it is seeking to retain the prevalent features of a building in an area typified by late Victorian and Edwardian frontages. 

Corbenyah Properties is also advised by Smith & Love Planning Consultants. 

In October, design studio BDP was appointed to lead the creation of a masterplan for St Annes. 

The project aims to attract further investment into the coastal town, and to address the challenges of the changing nature of high streets.