Trio in the hat for £230m Blackpool development

Three developers have started a rollercoaster ride on the quest for a £230m mixed development prize in Blackpool. Amec, St Modwen and a Carillion/Richardson joint venture will work up detailed plans for the development of the Gateway, a 13ha site on the north-eastern edge of the town centre.

The plan is for a mix of retail, offices and residential, as part of a pedestrian-friendly civic quarter. An integrated transport hub, new council offices, car parks and a foodstore also figure in the scheme. Construction is due to kick off next year, with completion expected in 2010.

Blackpool is one of the favourite locations for a so-called super casino to be built and the scheme is aimed at promoting further development around the hoped-for casino. The project is promoted jointly by the town's urban regeneration outfit, ReBlackpool, and by the town council.

[Contract Journal, 1 June 2006, p14]