New Five-Storey Hotel to Rise Next to Blackpool’s Historic Winter Gardens

A new five-storey hotel set to be constructed in Blackpool is poised to bring a modern touch to the seaside resort while paying homage to its Art Deco heritage. Developers have submitted detailed plans for the 266-bedroom establishment, which will be located adjacent to the Grade II listed Winter Gardens.

The developers, C1 Capital Partners and Mottram Estates, were granted planning permission in June for this project. Now, the latest application outlines specifics regarding the materials, design principles, and layout of the hotel. The site for the new hotel is currently a car park situated between Alfred Street, Adelaide Street, and Leopold Grove.

The documents accompanying the application emphasize that the design aims to complement the existing conservation area without overshadowing its historic neighbor. The hotel’s architecture will be influenced by the Art Deco style, a nod to Blackpool’s rich cultural history.

The hotel will operate under two brands, catering to both business travelers and leisure visitors. The developers plan to create a space that serves the needs of conference attendees and tourists alike, enhancing Blackpool’s appeal as a destination for various types of visitors.

The design proposal includes active frontages at ground level along Leopold Grove and Adelaide Street, featuring public entrances, reception areas, cafes, bars, restaurants, and lounges. The corner features at the junctions between Adelaide Street and Leopold Grove, and Alfred Street, aim to add aesthetic value and functionality to the building.

A significant aspect of the design is the use of off-white or cream materials for the facades, intended to harmonize with the neighboring Winter Gardens. Light metal cladding will be used for the upper floors, providing a modern yet respectful contrast to the historic surroundings.

The application documents state, “The design for the new dual-brand hotel endeavors to respect the existing conservation area, townscape context, and the setting of the Winter Gardens. To avoid competing too heavily with its heritage neighbor, the approach has been to create a building of contemporary style using lightweight materials that can be constructed efficiently and are inspired by its location rather than mimicking its neighbors.”

One of the key challenges for the developers has been to strike a balance between modern design and the preservation of Blackpool’s historic charm. The hotel’s design seeks to enhance the area’s visual appeal without detracting from the historical significance of the Winter Gardens.

The design incorporates features that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. For instance, the extended stay portion of the hotel will have a more private entrance on Leopold Grove, while the short stay entrance on Adelaide Street will have a more vibrant and youthful feel. This differentiation aims to cater to various visitor preferences and enhance their overall experience.

The developers believe that this new hotel will significantly contribute to Blackpool’s tourism and business sectors. By providing modern, high-quality accommodations, the hotel is expected to attract more visitors to the city, boosting local businesses and the economy.

Ellie Sherrocks from the Lace Market Hotel described the project as a “real opportunity” for Blackpool. She highlighted that the investment would likely bring in more tourists, which in turn could lead to the development of new attractions and stronger partnerships with other tourist bodies.

“We see this as a chance to increase tourism and showcase our city to more people,” Sherrocks said. “We believe the investment that will come back into Blackpool will boost tourism overall. We hope to see the funds used for new attractions and collaboration with other tourist bodies to attract more international visitors.”

The new hotel is part of a broader initiative to revitalize Blackpool and enhance its status as a premier tourist destination. With its blend of contemporary design and historical respect, the hotel aims to offer a unique experience for both business and leisure travelers.

As Blackpool continues to evolve, projects like this are essential in ensuring that the city remains competitive and appealing to a diverse range of visitors. The developers are optimistic that the new hotel will play a pivotal role in this transformation, providing a modern yet culturally rich environment for all who visit.

In the coming months, the focus will be on finalizing the design details and beginning construction. The developers are committed to delivering a project that not only meets modern standards but also honors Blackpool’s storied past.

As Blackpool prepares for this new addition to its skyline, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a hotel that promises to blend the best of contemporary design with the charm of the city’s Art Deco heritage. This project represents a significant step forward in Blackpool’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure and appeal to a global audience.

This story was originally featured on BBC