ReBlackpool have issued some publicity about their vision for the Winter Gardens should the local authority acquire it.
They reckon it’d be good with boutique-style shops, restaurants and conference facilities. That’s all a bit boring really, and I’m not sure demand is in place for boutiques. Conference facilities, well, it’s small time stuff now but if it’s a good implementation and not just a lick of paint then it could still attract some groups.
They also want to link the Winter Gardens with the Hounds Hill Centre which is something I thought of back in December when the story was first announced. I expect a cheque for my consultancy fee in the post.
We also saw in the paper yesterday a half page about the new hotel that will be erected on the east side of the Winter Gardens. It looks like a good project and I agree with them that it will be something to add value to the Winter Gardens itself (whilst removing further need to build more hotels as part of the Talbot Gateway which I still think is doomed).
Preparation for Phase 2 of the Houndshill is now apparently almost complete, too. As for whether they will build it any time soon, well, who knows, but under the spectre of Preston’s Tithebarn project Peter Callow cast doubt over the project in August last year. Tithebarn has now fallen apart so maybe, just maybe, Blackpool is stepping up and going for it before Preston gets its act together.
Tags: blackpool, council, reblackpool, talbot gateway
yes phil it was your idea, perhaps that wanker Callow reads this forum, dont you Peter?
I thought that when I read it that was your idea Phil and it is a very good idea, there is also talk of putting restaurants in there as well, which is sort of like the Printworks idea Sheepdog came up with that I keep banging on about. I like the sound of boutiques as well something different and will hopefully attract a better class of visitor along with some more quality restaurants.
PS They should convert the pubs/bars in the WG into JDW, Lloyds No 1 or Slug and Lettuce
I have commented on paul maynards site about the a585,railways and WBC, especially Gary Payne,no swearing honest,!!! will be interested as to hear his reply, after all WBC is conservative council albeit a rotten one.I want him to convince me why I should vote conservative and not BNP/UKIP.
Well done to him for following your ideas though Phil. It’s about time Blackpool had some sense and didn’t just go for the low budget, low profit end of the market and the Winter Gardens is a fabulous site.
Well said Frustrated. I was reading a ‘retail report’ on the planning application for the Talbot Gateway and it stated on there the abundance of retail provision aimed at the lower end of the market. I for one will be very happy to see more upmarket provisions in Blackpool.
Phil for mayor!
The problem with the current owner of the Houndshill is in administration so who ever extends it will have to buy it first.
I really do hope it happens though.
On another point I have a big email coming your way by the end of the week Phil, I’m’ sorry for the delay, I’ll explain everything when I email you.
That is a problem but I read somewhere the other day there has been interest from potential buyers but the administrators are reluctant to sell at present for whatever reason. I hope when someone does take it over it is a more buoyant company who will continue to invest in Houndshill and commit to Phase 2. That block of buildings is an eyesore and needs demolishing.
No worries about that Zim.
I think the Houndshill owners are hanging on due to the depressed property values, but given that that isn’t going to change any time soon I am curious about why the Council are going gung-ho about acquiring the property when the prospect of any construction work is bleak.
I suppose they have to do it sometime and it makes sense when the values are depressed.
I have written a comment replying to Sheepdog this afternoon telling them to come and join us here on this site because as myself and others have said they offer some excellent views and opinions that I feel would be very welcome on here. Let’s hope they read it before the deleter removes it.