Magistrates' court proposal set for green light

Funding towards the new courthouse includes £40m from the Levelling Up Fund

Proposals for a new multimillion-pound magistrates' court look set to get the go-ahead.

The current magistrates' court on Bonny Street in Blackpool has closed permanently following the discovery of crumbling concrete.

The council’s planning committee is being recommended to approve the application for a three-storey building on a site on the corner of Devonshire Road and Talbot Road.

It has been empty for more than 15 years.

The Fylde coast is currently without a local court, with cases being heard elsewhere in Lancashire until the new courts are ready in 2026.

Funding towards the new courthouse includes £40m from the Levelling Up Fund and £8m from the Town Deal.

'Major regeneration'

In making their recommendation for approval, planning officers said: “Significant redevelopment of the site that would deliver significant built environment improvements, and particularly to provide a municipal, community facility, would be welcomed.

“It would accord with the aspirations for Talbot Road as a resort gateway and the overall objectives of the Core Strategy to facilitate major regeneration and high-quality development".

A three-storey building is proposed - including 10 courts, judicial chambers, administrative space, custody facilities, public waiting facilities and landscaping.

Calls have been made to ensure the new courthouse is built as quickly as possible in order to bring local justice back to the Fylde coast.

The committee will consider the application on 27 February, with building expected to begin fairly quickly once contractors have been appointed.