Blackpool progresses £10m culture hub plans
Ellis Williams Architects has been appointed to draw up plans to extend Grundy Art Gallery and refurbish Central Library, both located on Queen Street.
Blackpool Council’s £10m culture hub was one of the projects set out in the authority’s town centre action plan, adopted last year.
Now, the council is seeking feedback from the public to shape the proposals, with a planning application due to be submitted this year.
Two public information events will take place at Blackpool Central Library on Thursday 8 February 2024, with presentations at 3pm and 6pm.
The project, for which funding is yet to be secured, will create reimagined and additional space to provide a range of cultural activities, events and exhibitions, according to the council.
The key changes for Central Library are a redesigned Showtown History Centre on the upper floor and the creation of a flexible multi-use space downstairs for public talks, workshops, events, and seminars.
At the Grundy Art Gallery, the vision is for a major gallery space to be constructed on Queen Street car park to facilitate a wider range of exhibitions of national and international status.
The scheme would see a link created to connect the library and the gallery, as well as enhancements to Queen Street and Abingdon Street.
Dominic Williams, Director at Ellis Williams’ architects said: “We are aware of the deep connection that both the Grundy Gallery and the library building hold for many of the community and to that end, we intend that the new extension, alongside the refurbished buildings, will celebrate Blackpool’s cultural heritage whilst creating an inviting and accessible building for all to use.”
Blackpool Council estimates the project could boost visitor numbers in the Claremont area of the town by around 60,000 a year.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council and ward councillor for Claremont, said: “Blackpool Central Library and Grundy Art Gallery are an important part of Blackpool’s cultural life and I’m delighted to see proposals being brought forward to enhance the cultural offer within the town.
“Whilst we do not yet have full funding for this project, recent success in applying for funding has shown us that we need to be ready to go with our plans when funding does become available to apply for.”
She added: “The Grundy and Central Library really are hidden gems in Blackpool and have so much potential. It is vital that we develop them and make them as accessible to as many people as possible to provide even more opportunities and services for local residents and tourists.”
The project sits within the scope of Blackpool’s Be Who You Want to Be cultural initiative, which aims to drive positive social, economic, and health outcomes in Claremont, where a high proportion of people identify as LGBTQ+.
