Business hub to open in revamped Art Deco building

An Art Deco building in Blackpool is to reopen as a small business hub following a £7.5m makeover.

Stanley Buildings, which was built in 1935, has been refurbished as one of seven projects in Blackpool Council's £40m Town Deal scheme.

Work began on the green and cream-tiled locally listed building in February 2024 and was originally due to be completed in the spring.

The site will open in August, and a council spokesperson said the refurbishment would "secure the long-term use of the building and safeguard it for future generations of entrepreneurs".

The council spent £2.8m on the Town Deal projects, with £4.5m in government funding and £200,000 coming from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The building, which was originally designed by 1930s borough architect, John Charles Robinson, is located between Caunce Street, Church Street and Cookson Street.

A council spokesperson said the business hub at the building would be named The Robinson in honour of the renowned architect.

He also designed former civic landmarks including Derby Baths and South Shore Open Air Baths.

The building has been converted into 44 offices and meeting rooms, with a co-working space on the ground floor.

Work has also included facade repairs, a new roof, new windows and eighteen new shopfronts.

Three long-established shops in the building, Records and Relics, Mankind Designer Menswear and Hermosa Boutique, are to remain on the Church Street side of the property.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.