Work begins on Blackpool’s Stanley Buildings

Main contractor F Parkinson has started on the conversion of the 1930s art deco building into a £7.5m business hub.

Located in the town centre, Stanley Buildings is to be aimed at start-ups and growing small businesses. Cassidy + Ashton is the architect.

Forty four offices and meeting facilities will be created on the upper floors, alongside extensive ground floor co-working space offering flexible and dedicated hot desks and member benefits.

Situated on a triangular plot between Caunce Street, Church Street and Cookson Street, the heritage building was built in 1935.

It was designed by the borough architect, John Charles Robinson, famous for a wide range of civic buildings such as Derby Baths and South Shore Open Air Baths.

Restoration and repair works will focus on critical areas including roof replacement, installation of new windows to all upper floors, brick repair and render, and restoration and cleaning of exterior faience and mosaic tiles.

Initially, eight shopfronts will be fully replaced with the aim to restore all shopfronts when funding is available.

The project is being developed in line with Blackpool Council’s net-zero objective with both air source heat pumps and solar panels installed to power the office spaces.

Work is expected to conclude next spring. Credit: Blackpool Council

Works are expected to complete by spring 2025. More than 50% of the contract value will be spent with local suppliers.

Cllr Mark Smith, cabinet member for levelling up (place) at Blackpool Council, said: “The scheme provides an ideal opportunity to expand the quality and range of flexible managed workspace within the town centre by delivering high-quality, affordable commercial floor space.

“Refurbishing the building and bringing the unused floor spaces back into use will have social and economic benefits in terms of creating skilled job opportunities in growing business sectors and in encouraging more people into the town centre. The works will secure the long-term optimum viable use of the building and safeguard it for future generations.”