Detailed plans for Blackpool's newest hotel have been revealed and are expected to receive approval from local council planners. The project, proposed by C1 Capital Partners Ltd and Mottrom Estates, involves the construction of a five-storey apart-hotel with 266 bedrooms.
These applicants currently manage brands such as Hilton London Olympia and a Mercure hotel in Northampton. Although permission has already been granted for the development opposite the Winter Gardens, reserved matters including detailed designs inspired by Blackpool's Art Deco heritage are now being presented to the council's Planning Committee.
Architects Studio Moren states in a design statement that it has utilised strong facade geometry to "achieve a contemporary building of its time and place", including a corner feature on the junctions of Adelaide Street with Leopold Grove, and Adelaide Street with Alfred Street. Heritage watchdog Historic England has endorsed the designs, stating in response to consultation: "The proposals for the architectural design of the building take cues from the streamlined Art Deco buildings that are so distinctive of Blackpool's heyday as a holiday resort, while the proposed planting will create a softer the development.
"The design proposals will ensure the hotel fits into the character of the townscape and will create an enhanced setting for the listed buildings in the vicinity."
The ground floor along Leopold Grove and Adelaide Street is planned to be glazed, allowing views in and out of the main public areas. Two brickwork clad columns would highlight the entrance on Leopold Grove, while the Adelaide Street entrance would be set back, reports .
Council planners, who are recommending approval of the application, state in their report: "Economically the proposal would regenerate a prominent, vacant site on the edge of the town centre for good quality visitor accommodation and would therefore support the regeneration and improvement of Blackpool."
Currently, the land is used as a 118-space car park, but there are long-standing plans to build a hotel to service the Winter Gardens, including the conference centre. Blackpool has not hosted a major political conference since 2007, with increased security measures now necessitating a 'ring of steel' around conference venues which include a hotel.
The application (reference 24/0315) is due before the committee on Tuesday November 12.
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