Latest update on Blackpool’s multi-million pound MOD building
It comes just weeks after architectural and internal design work began on the latest Grade A office building in Blackpool.
There has been further progress on work for a new multi-million pound Ministry of Defence (MOD) office building in Blackpool.
Planning permission for the ambitious scheme, part of Blackpool’s £350m Talbot Gateway regeneration project, was granted by Blackpool planners back in September 2024, with various conditions.
One of those conditions stressed a requirement for a completed assessment of likely pedestrian routes, associated crossing movements, and need for a formal crossing facility to be submitted to Blackpool planners.
This has now been approved by Blackpool Council, with the planning officer being satisfied that the existing pedestrian crossing provision on Talbot Road is suitable, sufficient and safe to accommodate the likely pedestrian movements from the development.
It comes just weeks after architecture firm Brock Carmichael began architectural and internal design work on the latest Grade A office building in Blackpool.
Working directly for VINCI during construction, the firm is delivering for nationwide placemaker, Muse, and its client, the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The practice successfully won the work on the design and build contract for the 82,000 square foot headquarters of Defence Business Services, the MOD’s shared services organisation.
It is the next phase of Muse’s £350m Talbot Gateway regeneration project, centred around Blackpool North Station, which is bringing 8,000 workers and students into the town centre.
The contract, which also includes the full interior design brief, will be led by partner Phil Malthouse, who said: “This is a critical assignment that takes advantage of our office design expertise and depth of resource. To be able to see the job through from first shovel all the way to the furnishings will enable us to ensure we provide the stamp of quality our client expects.”
Main contractor VINCI will complete the build in February 2027, which will rise to six storeys.
He explained: “We have adopted a light-coloured buff brickwork in keeping with the local vernacular, whilst the vertical double-height bay expression is rational and elegant, reflecting the internal layouts. Working with Thorpe Precast, we have developed a high-performance panelised solution. Its off-site manufacture will deliver numerous benefits in terms of efficiency, site safety and carbon footprint.”
More than 1,100 staff will work from the building, injecting valuable spending power into the immediate economy.