Fresh plans emerge at former Blackpool Odeon site as work now underway to build new Starbucks

Austringer Capital Ltd, which owns the site on Rigby Road, has updated its planning application to incorporate other developments including the new Starbucks drive-thru which is being built.

Planning permission is already being sought to convert the former cinema into a self-storage facility with food and drinks outlets at the front of the building.

Work to strip out the interior of the 10-screen former multiplex has now been carried out.

Updated documents submitted to Blackpool Council set out proposed changes to the layout of the leisure park –⁠ due to be renamed Bloomfield Central –⁠ which also includes Club 3000 Bingo and Bannatyne’s Gym and Spa.

A split access to the existing drive-thru at the McDonald’s restaurant is proposed, as well as two new adjacent drive-thru lanes to serve the Starbucks and the former Frankie and Benny’s restaurant, which is currently empty.

The area in front of the former Odeon would be reconfigured with six disabled parking bays and links to the new access roads, with loading bays at the rear to serve the proposed self-storage facility.

Six electric vehicle charges are also proposed between Bannatynes and the Odeon building.

Documents supporting the application say the changes will “breathe new life into the leisure park”.

They add: “Bloomfield Central will become an improved destination with much better links across the site for pedestrians and traffic, enhancing and supporting the surrounding area.”