Work begins on £7.5m project to transform art deco Stanley Buildings into modern business hub

Work has begun to transform a historic Blackpool building into a modern business hub to encourage fledgling entrepreneurs.

The £7.5m scheme will see the art deco Stanley Buildings, built in 1935, converted into 44 offices and meeting rooms with flexible co-worker space on the ground floor. Situated between Caunce Street, Church Street and Cookson Street, the building was designed by  renowned borough architect John Charles Robinson, famous for former civic landmarks including Derby Baths and South Shore Open Air Baths.

Restoration will include roof replacement, installation of new windows to all upper floors, brick repair and render, and restoration and cleaning of exterior faience and mosaic tiles.Initially, eight shopfronts will be fully replaced with the aim to restore all shopfronts when funding is available.  Air source heat pumps and solar panels will be fitted to power the office spaces.

The scheme is led by the council and supported by Cassidy + Ashton architects. Mowbray Drive based company F. Parkinson Ltd, has been appointed the main contractor with work set to completed by spring 2025.

Coun Mark Smith, cabinet member for levelling up (place)  said: “The project will enable us to achieve our aspiration to create a first-class home for growing small businesses as well as transform a prominent locally listed building. The scheme provides an ideal opportunity to expand the quality and range of flexible managed workspace within the town centre by delivering high-quality, affordable commercial floor space.

“Refurbishing the building and bringing the unused floor spaces back into use will have social and economic benefits in terms of creating skilled job opportunities in growing business sectors and in encouraging more people into the town centre. The works will secure the long-term optimum viable use of the building and safeguard it for future generations.”

Ray Eyre, managing director of F Parkinson, said: “F. Parkinson, a homegrown Blackpool construction company with almost 90 years of experience, is proud to be involved in the historic Stanley Building’s restoration. This 60-week restoration and refurbishment project goes beyond bricks and mortar. We’re committed to showcasing our social core values, supporting local contractors, charities, and training providers. It’s about building up the community as much as it is about building the structure.”

Chartered architect Lawrence McBurney, a director at Cassidy + Ashton, added: “A lot of work has taken place to get to this milestone moment, and we are looking forward to works commencing on site. The proposals balance the need to protect and restore the heritage aspects of the building complex while modernising and breathing new life into the internal spaces to transform them into an attractive working environment.”

The project is being funded by a combination of £4.5m from the Town Deal, £2.8m from the council and £200k from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. During the renovation works, the footpath on the Stanley Building side of Caunce Street will be closed to enable access to the compound area.