Plans to convert the upper floors of one of Blackpool’s most recognisable buildings into residential apartments have been revised ahead of a planning decision. The application, submitted by Nottingham developer ALB Group, now proposes 32 self-contained flats on the third, fourth and fifth floors of the former Woolworths building on Bank Hey Street — down from the 38 originally put forward last July.
The building is a genuine piece of local history. Opened in 1938 as one of the largest Woolworths stores in the country, the Art Deco structure sits at the corner of Bank Hey Street and the Promenade and is distinguished by its clean linear design and a prominent clock face. It has since traded under several names — Pricebusters, Sports Direct — and currently operates at ground level as a Wetherspoons pub known as the Albert and Lion, a name drawn from a Stanley Holloway comedy monologue from the 1930s.
The revised scheme is made up of a mix of one-bedroom single and double occupancy flats, along with around 20 two-bedroom three-person units and a small number of larger two-bedroom flats for four occupants. Access would be through the existing ground floor entrance, with secure bin storage incorporated into the entry point. No external changes to the building’s facade are proposed.
If approved, the upper-floor conversion would bring the building’s total residential capacity to nearly 60 units, as planning permission has already been granted for 24 apartments on the lower floors.
The planning statement submitted on behalf of ALB Group describes the developer as experienced in delivering quality schemes and frames the proposed units as suitable for a wide range of residents — working professionals, small families, retirees and those seeking more affordable housing within easy reach of town centre amenities. The application is currently awaiting a decision from Blackpool Council.