With the development on schedule for a summer 2022 opening, piling works are complete and the construction of the main steelwork will begin in May, when residents will be able to watch the new development taking shape. The building will also include a new underpass that will provide a bright, modern entrance into Blackpool North train station.
For works to be carried out safely and on schedule, High Street will be closed from mid-May for approximately 26 weeks and diversions will be in place, so residents are being urged to please plan their journeys ahead of time.
Tramway contractors SISK, on behalf of Blackpool Council, are also back on site at Talbot Road to complete the new £23.4m tram link to Blackpool North train station. The existing tramway will be further extended from the corner of Dickson/Talbot Road, through the construction site to a new North Station terminus.
Working alongside the hotel development contractors Robertson Group, SISK will be working within the site boundaries for approximately 26 weeks and a one way system will be in place for deliveries on and off site, managed from the existing Lord Street access, exiting via Queen Street onto Dickson Road.
Overhead electric lines and new signals are also due to be installed along Talbot Road from the terminus area to the Promenade. This work will be phased and will take place overnight, no daytime closures of Talbot Road are anticipated. It is expected the work will last for 4 weeks and will start in July. Confirmation of final details will be provided in the coming weeks.
The completed extension will mean more trams on the network and more frequent services. The extension to the tramway will connect North Station to the Promenade giving a direct link to shops, hotels and leisure attractions and easier commuting for residents. The new tramline will be cleaner, greener, quieter and more reliable.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council said, “It’s great to see the construction of the new hotel, Marco Pierre White restaurant and underpass starting to take shape and we’re looking forward to seeing the steelwork go up, a significant next step in the build programme. It’s come a long way since the demolition started back in September last year, despite the year we have had, which is a real testament to all those involved in this important regeneration project.
“We are aware that these works are inconvenient for people and we apologise in advance but the disturbance will be worth it in the end.
“We’re also a step closer to the new tramway extension being finalised which will bring greater capacity, more frequent services and better connectivity around town, making travel for residents and for visitors much easier, as well as providing more jobs for local people.
“This whole development will play a significant part in the overall economic recovery of Blackpool and help us build back after COVID. I’m also pleased to be able to say that this work is already supporting 10 long term unemployed Blackpool residents through a partnership between Blackpool Council, Robertson’s and Blackpool and Fylde College”.
To support the local community throughout the project and to promote skilled training opportunities in Blackpool, main contractor Robertson’s Group has established a Sector Based Work Academy (SWAP) with Build Up Blackpool and Department of Work and Pensions. 10 long term unemployed residents will undertake five weeks of training leading to a CSCS card (Construction Skills Certificate Scheme) over the coming months. Blackpool and Fylde College have also agreed to run a virtual work experience for their T level students using the Robertson Tower City Project in June 21.
The tramway extension originally received £16.4m from the Lancashire Growth Deal.
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