Construction has begun on a new 110-space car park in Blackpool, amid ongoing criticism from those who believe the site should have been transformed into a town centre park. The project, which is set to provide a temporary parking place on council-owned land behind the Holiday Inn on Talbot Road, is expected to be completed by spring next year.
Since the hotel's opening on May 1 and the subsequent launch of the tramway extension in mid-June, the site has remained unused. Cllr Paul Galley, Conservative group leader on Blackpool Council, expressed his disappointment that proposals for the plot to become a green space were overlooked.
The forthcoming car park, with access from Queen Street, will not only serve the Holiday Inn but will also be available to the public as it will be operated by the council. Cllr Galley commented: "Rather than creating a park for cars, we should be building a park for people. Establishing green space in this key central area could not only revitalise the neighbourhood but also improve lives. For many residents with limited access to nature, such a space would offer significant physical and mental health benefits."
He added: "This week, it was revealed that Blackpool has the lowest life expectancy for men in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ, highlighting the urgent need for more accessible green spaces. Car parks won't solve Blackpool's challenges, but a well-managed park, alongside investments in our most vulnerable citizens, could break the cycle of decline."
Despite local residents expressing their disappointment over the land being used as a car park, the council has responded on social media stating it has "future plans to market the site for a new development," reports .
It added: "If we covered it in planting now, that would make development on that site more difficult and expensive in the long run."
George Cox and Sons have been selected to execute the contract which includes preliminary work before full construction commences in the new year. The masterplan for the Talbot Gateway regeneration area has designated the land for further development as part of the overall £350m investment strategy, which will include offices and a multiversity in future phases.
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