Pub giant’s big plans for Blackpool

PUB chain JD Wetherspoon has resurrected plans which would see it investing in two new pubs in Blackpool town centre.

Work is already underway to convert the ground floor of the former Pricebusters building on Bank Hey Street, and the bar which will create 40 new jobs is due to open on July 2.

Now the firm has submitted a new planning application to the council for a two-storey building on its site on Market Street.

A previous scheme for a £1.4m pub on the land has never been acted upon.

Last year the company put the site up for sale, but now it is seeking to build a contemporary pub which would boast a rooftop terrace with sea views.

Both schemes have been developed by Blackpool-born architect Andy Ince.
He said: “We have gone for a quality design for the Market Street site and because Wetherspoons is very keen to be family friendly and female friendly, the aim is also to ensure people can see inside.

“The roof top terrace won’t be able to be open all the time, but we thought it would be nice if people were able to occasionally sit out there and see the sea.

“We are now fitting out the Bank Hey Street premises and we have designed the shopfront to be in sympathy with the building, so it has an art deco theme and a 1930s feel.”

See Wednesday’s Gazette for full story.