Plans to convert Job Centre into holiday flats

An artist's impression of the proposed holiday apartments development

Revised plans have been unveiled to convert a former Job Centre building into holiday apartments.

The scheme would see the empty building on Queen Street in Blackpool used as 22 self-contained holiday flats.

The building has been empty since 2018 when staff were relocated to new premises at the Town Hall.

The application will go before planners for consideration.

The Job Centre building has been empty since 2018

'Enhance local accommodation'

Two previous bids to convert it to permanent flats have been refused by council planners.

Applicant Premier Property Investments (NW) Limited, which would manage the business, said it would operate "like a hotel with a reception and check-in kiosk at the reception".

There would be a manager's office, laundry room and luggage store as well as parking for 12 cars.

Guests would use a card entry system and there would be a 24-hour helpline to report any anti-social behaviour.

Documents submitted with the application added the proposal would "enhance the existing local holiday accommodation on offer" and reuse the building in a "sustainable manner".

The previous applications to use the building as permanent flats attracted objections.

The owner of the neighbouring Galleon Bar had warned his business could be put at risk if residents subsequently complained about noise from the nightspot which has a licence to serve until 04:00.

A noise assessment carried out as part of the latest application said there would be "no significant adverse impact" on guests from surrounding premises.

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