AMEC selected for Blackpool redevelopment scheme

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Apr 3, 2007

AMEC Developments selected for Blackpool's GBP285m Talbot Gateway redevelopment scheme.

AMEC Developments, part of AMEC plc, the international project management and services company, has been chosen by Blackpool Council and urban regeneration company ReBlackpool as the preferred developer for a GBP285 million redevelopment of the Talbot Gateway area of the town.

The 12.8 hectare pedestrian-friendly redevelopment of the area around Blackpool North railway station will feature new retail, leisure, commercial, residential and civic office space in addition to town centre parking and a new transport interchange.

The proposals also include a new public square, council offices, a courthouse, a 70,000 sq ft supermarket, two hotels and a town centre multi- screen cinema.

Over the coming months AMEC will work alongside ReBlackpool, and Blackpool Council to finalise plans for the outline planning application.

It is anticipated that work will start in 2008 with overall completion by 2015.

Mike Horner, Regional Director at AMEC, added: "We are looking forward to working in partnership with ReBlackpool and the Council on this major regeneration project.

Everyone knows Blackpool as a tourist and leisure destination but we want to put something back into Blackpool for the local population - for those people who actually live and work here.

"Blackpool needs a step up in quality and Talbot Gateway will provide this as a well-designed urban quarter of high quality architectural buildings linked by pedestrian-friendly streets and exciting public spaces and piazzas.

We have a robust and comprehensive masterplan and we will be working tirelessly with the Council and ReBlackpool to bring about real change at the earliest possible opportunity." Doug Garrett, Chief Executive of ReBlackpool, comments: "We have worked hard with a short list of developers to create a scheme that is deliverable and that will kick start the transformation of Blackpool into a thriving 21st century resort.

AMEC, as a commercial developer, recognises the potential of Blackpool and will now help us turn our vision into a reality.".