Hartes building 'could collapse' warns councillor in appeal for investment in Bond Street and Waterloo Road

Fears have been raised that a rundown building in South Shore could collapse unless investment is made in the area.

Coun Diane Mitchell has warned the former Hartes building on the corner of Waterloo Road and Bond Street needs urgent attention and is just one example of why the neighbourhood desperately needs redevelopment. Calls for investment have also reached Parliament - with Blackpool South MP Scott Benton raising the issue at an adjournment debate in the House of Commons.

Coun Mitchell told a meeting of the full council: "The Hartes building is a complete eyesore and doesn't inspire investment in old business or new business. Tourism in the area is suffering, the hotels, the guesthouses, they need investment to encourage footfall in that area. I support the council with the heritage protection status but working with the owner quickly is imperative before what remains collapses." 

Following the adjournment debate, Mr Benton said: "I have raised the importance of regenerating Bond Street, Central Drive and Central Drive/Revoe on 15 separate occasions in Parliament already. I’ll be urging the government once again to award the funding we so badly need, and in a few weeks’ time, I’ll be presenting the government and the council with a petition on this issue which has been signed by hundreds of local people in shops on Bond Street and Waterloo Road." 

In response to Mr Benton's questions during the debate, levelling up minister Simon Hoare said the government was working with the council to bring investment to Blackpool with a particular emphasis on housing. 

He said: "To unlock Blackpool’s immense economic potential, we want to see more homes, safer homes, better homes, in well-designed neighbourhoods that will help to attract and retain skilled residents in the town." 

In response to Coun Mitchell's concerns, Coun Mark Smith, cabinet member for levelling up place, said: "We want to transform the whole town but unfortunately some bids restrict us to the town centre but where we can get investment and funding we will spread it across the town to where it is needed most.  I have been down there and can see some investment is needed in that area. We will work on getting funding and investment to improve that area."