Second phase of Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway scheme gets underway

The next key step of the multimillion-pound development at Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway is underway.

Contractors are now preparing the site ready for the steel framework to be erected for the 4 star Holiday Inn and Marco Pierre White restaurant.

With the development on schedule for a summer 2022 opening, piling works are complete and the construction of the main steelwork will begin in May.

The building will also include a new underpass that will provide ‘a bright, modern entrance into Blackpool North train station.’

For works to be carried out safely and on schedule, High Street will be closed from mid-May for approximately 26 weeks and diversions will be in place, so residents are being urged to plan their journeys ahead of time.

Tramway contractors SISK, on behalf of Blackpool Council, are also back on site at Talbot Road to complete the new £23.4m tram link to Blackpool North train station.

The existing tramway will be further extended from the corner of Dickson/Talbot Road, through the construction site to a new North Station terminus.

Working alongside the hotel development contractors Robertson Group, SISK will be working within the site boundaries for approximately 26 weeks and a one-way system will be in place for deliveries on and off site, managed from the existing Lord Street access, exiting via Queen Street onto Dickson Road.

Overhead electric lines and new signals are also due to be installed along Talbot Road from the terminus area to the Promenade. This work will be phased and will take place overnight, no daytime closures of Talbot Road are anticipated. It is expected the work will last for 4 weeks and will start in July.

The completed extension will mean more trams on the network and more frequent services.

The extension to the tramway will connect North Station to the Promenade giving a direct link to shops, hotels and leisure attractions and easier commuting for residents. The new tramline will be cleaner, greener, quieter and more reliable.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council said, “It’s great to see the construction of the new hotel, Marco Pierre White restaurant and underpass starting to take shape and we’re looking forward to seeing the steelwork go up, a significant next step in the build programme.

“It’s come a long way since the demolition started back in September last year, despite the year we have had, which is a real testament to all those involved in this important regeneration project.

Talbot Gateway Holiday Inn

“We are aware that these works are inconvenient for people and we apologise in advance but the disturbance will be worth it in the end.

“We’re also a step closer to the new tramway extension being finalised which will bring greater capacity, more frequent services and better connectivity around town, making travel for residents and for visitors much easier, as well as providing more jobs for local people.

“This whole development will play a significant part in the overall economic recovery of Blackpool and help us build back after COVID. I’m also pleased to be able to say that this work is already supporting 10 long term unemployed Blackpool residents through a partnership between Blackpool Council, Robertson’s and Blackpool and Fylde College.”