Multi-million pound Yates Bar update

An ambitious multi-million pound regeneration vision which ended up in the Blackpool dust is set to rise again.

Work is due to start “imminently” on the construction of a brand new Yates Bar on South Shore promenade, just months after the original Art Deco building had to be demolished.

Planners gave the go ahead to proposals to build a completely new version of the popular bar after the original plans to extensively revamp the locally-listed pub drastically changed.

The proposed multi-million pound regeneration was expected to see much of the original building retained, despite it falling into disrepair. Emphasis was made on keeping the distinctive Art Dec façade at the front.

But the condition of the property was much worse than originally believed. Chronic deterioration of the concrete and steel structure of the building meant that the original infrastructure could not be made safe.

This week a source close to the project said: “Everything is ready to start moving again and construction work on the new building is beginning to start imminently.

“Receiving planning permission so quickly will enable things to move forward in good time.”

The site is currently cordoned off with railings and the land has been levelled, ready for work to start.

The latest proposals lodged with Blackpool Council are for the erection of a three-storey building at 407-411 Promenade, Blackpool, comprising of a hotel and drinking establishment with extended food provision and function space.

What architects say

A revised planning statement on behalf of the application, from architect firm Abbott Hull Associates, states: “The replacement building is to be of the same scale and footprint, together with a change of use to a hotel and drinking establishment with extended food provision.

“The proposal includes ancillary dining and events space, an additional storey, a roof terrace, a front canopy with roof terrace above, a three-storey rear extension, and a single-storey glazed rear seating area, along with external rendering and cladding.

“This addendum summarises the structural findings, sets out the rationale for demolition, and demonstrates that the proposal continues to comply with the relevant planning policy framework.”

Reasons to approve scheme

A report from the planning officer at Blackpool Council, approving the new build, stated: “Economically the scheme would have a significant positive impact providing employment through its operation and during construction.

“Environmentally, the proposal would be acceptable, there would be no detrimental impact on drainage and environmental quality and biodiversity would not be materially affected. The scheme would bring a prominent site back into use having a very positive impact on the streetscene.

“Socially, the scheme would provide good quality holiday accommodation and facilities helping to regenerate the Inner Area and Resort Core, a goal of the Core Strategy.”

The application can now press ahead, although 13 planning conditions have been attached to the permission.

Original Lion Hotel

The former Yates bar on the Blackpool seafront (South Shore) was originally known as the Lion Hotel.

Opened in 1937 and designed by architect Halstead Best, it was an iconic Art Deco property with a circular tower and red brick façade before its closure in 2022 and subsequent demolition.

Although the original has gone, it won’t be forgotten, serving as the inspiration for the new building set to replace it.