Urgent repairs being carried out at Blackpool’s iconic former Post Office building

Blackpool’s Abingdon Street Post Office is undergoing urgent repairs to prevent it from deteriorating any further.

There were ambitious plans to transform the Grade II-listed building, one of the most prominent properties in Blackpool town centre, into a £26m, four-star Indigo Hotel.

However, the proposals – using £8m of Government funding – were abandoned last year when it became clear the project would cost too much.

In February, owners Blackpool Council, who bought the Grade II listed building in September after the Indigo plans fell through, gave an update on plans for it.

They included the possibilities of a 90-bedroom hotel which looks onto Edward Street, to the rear of the building, after sub-dividing the building.

Challenges with the building have included youths climbing on the roof, urban explorers gaining access and a worryingly advanced deterioration of the structure.

Blackpool Council said in February :”Enhanced security measures have also been put in place to prevent trespass and safeguard the public.

“The council is now advancing plans for the site’s long-term redevelopment. Proposals include subdividing the property to accommodate a 90-bedroom hotel fronting Edward Street, alongside re-purposing the Abingdon Street building.

“The opportunity will be formally brought to the investment market in 2026, inviting partners to play a key role in the regeneration of this strategically important town centre asset.”

In the meantime, the council added: “Since completing the purchase, the Council has delivered a programme of initial improvement works.

“This has included clearing the courtyard and removing extensive internal debris, commissioning further surveys to inform future proposals, and undertaking a range of external improvements such as removing broken glazing, carrying out repairs, repainting doors and installing window vinyl wraps.”

The former Post office was built in 1910 and designed in Renaissance style by architect Walter Pott.

But after the Post Office closed in 2007, this once busy hub of activity fell into disrepair.

It is hoped that it can eventually be given a new lease of life – in the meantime work is being carried out as a matter of urgency to prevent further decline.