Benefits of Multiversity scheme pushed but week one of public inquiry hears no evidence from objecting residents
The first week of the Multiversity public inquiry passed without hearing evidence from any residents who object to the scheme
By Emily Trelfa
One of the key figures behind Blackpool’s Multiversity scheme described its proposed site as “run down” as a public inquiry into the plans continued.
Planning consultant Ed Harvey said the proposed development will improve the area visually as well as playing a key role in the town’s regeneration. Mr Harvey, who is associate director of Avison Young, was speaking at an inquiry which will decide whether Blackpool Council is allowed to force through the sales of the homes it wants to develop to make way for the new Blackpool and the Fylde College campus.
The second day of the inquiry saw the council’s third and fourth witnesses round off the first week of evidence, with two days to spare, to explain the determination for the development to go ahead. The opening days of the inquiry have not heard evidence from any objectors.
Mr Harvey was called to explain the economic public benefits of the Multiversity scheme and when asked if he had any comments on the current condition of the site and its impact on the surrounding area, said it was currently in very tired condition.
He said: “A lot of properties on the site are vacant and boarded up and the remaining properties are quite tired visually and from the site walk around we can see they are structurally as well.
“Many of the properties from inside are not in great condition and not improving either.
“That of course does have an effect on the character and appearance of the area and also the new development and regeneration across the whole gateway and CPO area.”
As expressed by Sarah Reid KC during day one’s opening statement, the council undertook a “rigorous” site selection exercise which identified the order land as the “optimum site” for development.
Ms Reid said: “There are no alternative proposals put forward by any objectors or other persons for its reuse, and no other scheme on the table that could deliver the significant social, economic and environmental benefits of this scheme.”
Mr Harvey said the Reserved Matters Proposal submitted demonstrates the scheme will transform the existing run-down environment with new landmark buildings and public green spaces which will improve the arrival experience for residents and visitors, building upon the high-quality regeneration delivered in Talbot Gateway to date.
When asked about a dedicated consultation webpage that had invited comments via an online feedback form, he said: “We had 15 respondents (65%) that were ‘very supportive’ or ‘somewhat supportive’; two respondents (12%) that were ‘neither supportive or unsupportive’ and six respondents (23%) that were ‘somewhat unsupportive’ or ‘unsupportive’.
“The only response from current objectors was from Mr Shane Hearty who objected, referencing the proposed demolition and his unhappiness at the financial offer made by the Council to purchase his property.”
He added: “Four members of the public then submitted objections to the Planning Application, three of which were from properties within the Order Land.”
The objection from Mr Hearty alleged that Blackpool Council had made an ‘inadequate effort to negotiate’ and refused to confirm the basis for the valuation of his property.
Also called to give evidence was architect and partner for Hawkins Brown architecture Katie Tonkinson who echoed Mr Mulvey’s comments and said that a key driver for the site selection was to make the college more visible, more accessible and more inclusive in a town centre location.
Miss Tonkinson said that during the inspection of the site, capacity appraisal and urban design appraisal the overall capacity of the building was 17,500 square metres and was stipulated to five stories high to meet the brief for Blackpool and the Fylde college.
When asked about the decision of the site selected, she mentioned that the above measurements resulted in the discarding of some of the sites on the basis that they were too small to accommodate the brief.
She said: “In May 2022, we were advised that the total brief of the Multiversity would need to be reduced to meet the budget. So, we needed to look carefully at the program to make sure we could make reductions to make it within the funding.
“We worked hard with the college and identified some departmental permissions from the brief which included the school of art. We also made reductions to areas such as the learning resource centre and office space and we also reduced less area of the building. So, the overall gross area was reduced to 11,250 square metres.
“The development will provide new safe and sustainable public connections, improve the biodiversity of the Town Centre and encourage people to use more nearby public transport hubs. Phase Two will allow the College to expand and deliver the original vision for the new Town Centre campus. Further amplifying the benefits and improvements established in Phase One.”
The first week of the inquiry was due to last four days but ended up lasting just over a day and a half. It is due to resume on Tuesday, December 3 for a week which will allow homeowners to present their objections.