Heritage building to be transformed into business growth hub

Plans have been given the go ahead to start work on renovating Stanley Buildings, one of the town’s historic locally listed buildings.

Located on a triangular plot situated between Caunce Street, Church Street and Cookson Street in the town centre, the building will be transformed into a thriving business hub for start-up and growing small businesses.

The £7.5m project will convert vacant and derelict upper floor space into 44 modern offices and state of the art meeting facilities, creating a vibrant home for small businesses. 

Stanley Buildings artist's impression of new development

Parts of the ground floor will be altered to create an extensive co-working space offering a choice of flexible hot desk and meeting spaces.  

Originally designed by the renowned Borough architect, John Charles Robinson, Stanley Buildings was built in 1935 to replace former residential terraces. 

Stanley Buildings was built in 1935, F Parkinson Ltd, has been appointed the main contractor with works set to start in the New Year and complete by spring 2025

When it opened, the building contained 26 shops at ground floor level and housed Corporation Departments above, then known as Stanley Chambers. A former Midland Bank, a red brick corner building was retained, and forms part of current council ownership and future development plans.

Restoration and repair works will focus on a number of 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.

A number of courtyard facing buildings will be demolished to form space for several parking spaces, electric vehicle charging facilities and secure bike storage.

The scheme is led by the council and supported by Cassidy + Ashton architects. Local construction company, F Parkinson Ltd, has been appointed the main contractor with works set to start in the New Year and complete by spring 2025.

More than 50% of the contract value will be spent with local suppliers, and other social value will benefit the local community.

The development is part of wider plans to make the town centre more attractive to residents, businesses and investors, and making Blackpool better for everyone.

Cllr Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Levelling Up (Place) at Blackpool Council, said: “This project will enable us to fulfil our twin aims of creating a first-class home for growing small businesses as well as the transformation of a prominent locally listed building.

“This 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.

“In close proximity to several flagship regeneration projects, local amenities and transport networks, the project aligns with our ambition to foster growth and create more opportunities for local people.

“We are committed to supporting local businesses through a variety of schemes including bespoke business advice through our recently launched Growth and Net Zero Business Academies.

“Stanley Buildings will be a centre of excellence for entrepreneurs and growth ambitious businesses, creating skilled job opportunities in growing business sectors.”

The £7.5m project is being funded by a combination of £4.5m from the Town Deal, £2.8m from the council and £200k from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

For further information on the project and more details on regeneration plans in Blackpool, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/betterblackpool

UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.

The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

John Charles Robinson, worked for Blackpool Council from 1920-1944 eventually becoming the Borough Architect.  

Civic buildings designed by Mr Robinson include:

Hawes Side Library, Bispham Library, Layton Toilet Block, Stanley Park Cafe, Shelters and House, Carleton Crematorium Gatehouse Chapel, the Solarium (now the Solaris Centre), Little Bispham Tram Shelter, Stanley Park Golf Club, Blackpool Cricket Club, The shelter, Devonshire Square, Citadel 1924 Memorial Hall, Colonnades, Blackpool promenade, Blackpool Zoo, Harrowside Pool and Bridge, North Shore Lift, St John's Market, Little Bispham Tram Shelter, Blackpool Cricket Club, Stanley Park Golf Club, Municipal Offices, South Shore Open Air Baths, Derby Baths, Stanley School, Collegiate Girls' School, Highfield School, Technical College Palatine Rd, Marton Library, Bispham Library, Layton Library, Highfield Library, Hawes Side Library, Squires Gate Bridge and Station, Mr Robinson's personal residence, Newton Drive, and, of course Stanley Buildings. 

Source: Blackpool Civic Trust  History of Blackpool (blackpoolcivictrust.org.uk)