Sainsbury’s chosen for £220m Blackpool scheme

Sainsbury’s has signed a deal with developer Muse to operate the foodstore at the £220m Central Business District (formerly Talbot Gateway) scheme in Blackpool.

Muse and Sainsbury’s will now submit a joint application for a 60,000 sq ft store with 600 car parking spaces over two levels positioned above the store.

The store will also employ around 400 people – 70% of whom will be ful-time members of staff.

Mike Horner, regional director for Muse Developments, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Sainsbury’s to Blackpool in what will be a fantastic new store.  

“The store will bring lots of new shoppers to the town centre and will help give it a massive boost.

He said that a full planning application would be submitted this week and that if permission is granted it hopes to be on site by next summer.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “I know these plans are going to be welcomed by so many Blackpool residents who are keen to see a large supermarket in the town centre.

“Sainsbury’s is exactly the type of big name company that we want to attract to Blackpool and the news that they are going to employ hundreds of local people is simply fantastic.”

The building has been designed by Manchester-based architects Leach Rhodes Walker.

The main foodstore façade will feature a sweeping glass design facing onto Talbot Road, which will create a strong visible prominence from the station and the new public square.