£10m gallery and cultural hub set for go-ahead

Blackpool Council’s Planning Committee is being recommended to approve the application, which also includes Listed Building consent.

A £10m cultural hub in Blackpool looks set to get the go-ahead.

The scheme would see a two-storey extension built to the Grundy Art Gallery on Queen Street, with a new link to the adjacent Grade II-listed Central Library.

There have been two objections from people living near the site raising concerns over the loss of the Queen Street car park where the extension will be built.

Heritage watchdog Historic England has not opposed the plan but has warned it could "intrude" on the views of the older parts of the buildings.

The scheme would see a two-storey extension built to the Grundy Art Gallery on Queen Street with a new link to the adjacent Grade II-listed Central Library.

Historic England said there would be "significant improvements to the current situation on the site, and considerable public benefits from the provision of this facility within Blackpool town centre".

Blackpool Council’s planners officers have recommended that the planning committee approves the application, which also includes Listed Building consent, when it goes before them on 8 October.

The project would include a single-storey extension with a gallery and shop and a two-storey side extension.

A planners' report said lost parking spaces would be made up for by new bays in the town centre.

The report says: "Environmentally, the proposal seeks to support the ongoing use of a Grade II Listed Building thus arguably contributing to preservation of the heritage asset for future generations to enjoy.”