Plans for a major new leisure destination off Blackpool’s Golden Mile are set to take a step forward.
Nikal Ltd and Media Invest Entertainment are due to launch a consultation in the coming weeks on a planning application for the first phase of Blackpool Central.
The first phase would include a new multi-storey car park and Heritage Quarter, with other aspects of the development included in outline if the proposals are backed.
Developers have now asked the council for its opinion, formally known as a scoping opinion, in relation to the topics, methods of assessment and level of detail that would be required in the environmental statement that must accompany any future application for planning permission.
The applicants, which have said the scheme would be the largest single investment in Blackpool for more than 100 years, added the proposals would transform the former Blackpool Central train station site, once the world’s busiest train station.
They added that the year-round leisure destination would be estimated to bring in 600,000 additional visitors to the town every year, with a combined annual spend of £75m, and create up to 1,000 new jobs.
A new Heritage Quarter would include the Grade II-listed former King Edward VII Picture House and locally listed King Edward VII pub.
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The destination could also feature a new major public square for live events, such as music concerts, light shows, sporting events and markets, which will sit alongside new hotels, restaurants, a food market and multi-storey car park.
The project would also include a new indoor theme park, including a wide variety of rides, the 海角视频’s first flying theatre and the world’s most advanced virtual reality immersive experience.
Richard Fee, chairman, Nikal Ltd, said: "Blackpool Central will become a major new destination with everything from a new indoor theme park and public square, to hotels, restaurants and a heritage quarter.
"With high quality entertainment for all the family, this transformational project will bring hundreds of thousands of new visitors to Blackpool and provide a huge boost to the local economy.
"This first planning application is an important step forward and will see us deliver a new multi-storey car park and the Heritage Quarter, which will enable us to deliver the future phases."
Norbert Reichart, chief executive of Media Invest, added: "We’re looking to create something never seen before, with world class rides and family entertainment, Blackpool Central will provide year-round attractions that will complement and future proof the town’s tourism offer."
Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: "We can’t underestimate the difference that this high-profile, game-changing development will make to Blackpool’s tourism offer and the boost it will provide to the town’s economy.
"After working hard behind the scenes with developers Nikal and Media Invest Entertainment, we are delighted the project is now at the planning application stage and poised to transform Central Station car park in the next few years."