Cassidy + Ashton designed renovation of Blackpool’s Stanley Buildings complete
Blackpool Council has completed the £8.2m transformation of the iconic Stanley Buildings, with architecture, planning and surveying practice Cassidy + Ashton acting as lead architects for the renovation.
The space includes new business hub The Robinson, designed to help local companies grow. Disused upper floors have been refurbished to offer 44 private offices for lease, as well as six meeting rooms and a vibrant co-working environment.
Renovation works have included the replacement of 18 shopfront units with further works underway to ensure the retail units are ready to occupy. The renovation has also included repairing and replacing faience blocks, refurbishing the roof and installing new windows. Investment in solar panels and air source heat pumps will significantly lower the building’s carbon impact.
The project forms part of Blackpool Council’s £350m regeneration of the area, expected to bring over 8,000 workers and students into the area in the coming years.
Lawrence McBurney, director, Cassidy + Ashton said: “This restoration transformed a listed and derelict building into a thriving business hub, giving local companies a place to grow, thrive and contribute to Blackpool’s future growth.
“Many of the original features have been retained, such as the terracotta exterior. However, the interior has been overhauled to provide a modern, eco-friendly working environment.
“Cassidy + Ashton has been involved in several high-profile heritage development projects in Blackpool in recent years, including the Grand Theatre restoration and new Winter Gardens Conference Centre. It’s heartening to see another key building in the town’s cultural past playing a central role in driving its long-term regeneration.”
The Robinson is named in honour of John Charles Robinson, Blackpool Corporation’s former chief architect, who between 1920-1944 designed many of Blackpool’s landmark civic buildings including Stanley Buildings, a symbol of art deco elegance. The triangular shaped Stanley Buildings, with its distinctive cream art deco façade, was opened in 1935 and originally comprised 26 shops at ground floor level with corporation offices above called Stanley Chambers.
Original architectural features have been preserved and complemented by modern amenities, including ultra-fast broadband and communal spaces. Blackpool Growth Business Academy will also have a presence on site, providing tailored business support and personalised growth plans and various events.
The project has been funded by Blackpool Council and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity and Town Deal Funds.
Cllr Mark Smith, cabinet member for economy and built environment, Blackpool Council said: “This fantastic restoration shows how we’re making Blackpool better and creating more opportunities for businesses to create jobs for local people.
“This is an iconic Blackpool building that has been restored by Blackpool businesses using Blackpool workers, in order to help new Blackpool businesses to grow. It’s a real local success story of how we’re using regeneration and construction to benefit everybody in the town.
“The Robinson is a symbol of Blackpool’s confidence in its future. This building once embodied the innovation of the 1930s, and it now stands ready to inspire a new generation of businesses, entrepreneurs, and collaborators. I’m proud to see the building reimagined with renewed purpose and a future-facing vision.
The project has brought together a team of experts. In addition to Cassidy + Ashton as lead architects, this included F Parkinson Ltd as main contractor and Bev Wood Design for interiors.
