Multiversity final plans lodged as public inquiry looms
Around 40 per cent of the properties served with a compulsory purchase order are yet to reach a settlement with Blackpool Council
As a public inquiry looms into one of Blackpool's major redevelopment schemes then final proposals have gone in for the new state-of-the-art education campus known as Multiversity.
Dozens of homes in a block between Cookson Street and Grosvenor Street are due to be flattened for the new 115,000 square foot building.
It will see Blackpool and the Fylde College re-locate back into the town centre.
But some of those living within the properties are in dispute with Blackpool Council about the terms of the compulsory purchase agreement which was brought forward in April.
Around 40 per cent of the properties have yet to reach a re-settlement agreement and a public inquiry is due to start on 12 November.
Final plans for the Multiversity have been lodged for the five-floor education space which would be home to 3,000 students and staff.
Outline planning approval for the whole Multiversity site was granted earlier this year and it is the fourth stage of what’s known as the Talbot Gateway scheme.
Leader of Blackpool Council, councillor Lynn Williams, said: “As well as bringing thousands of students into the town centre, helping our local people to complete qualifications and find quality work, it will also provide a green public square to the area, incorporating trees, flowers and grassy areas, which will complement the similar planting which will happen around the DWP office. It will be a great green area within the town centre.”
Regarding the compulsory purchase orders, Cllr Williams said: “I understand that we are buying people’s homes and that for many this has been a difficult process. As throughout this process, support is still available to help find alternative accommodation and to move home. If anyone does still need support please do contact us.”
Alun Francis OBE, Chief Executive at Blackpool and the Fylde College, added: “We are really pleased with the progress being made to bring this amazing new facility into the heart of Blackpool. We look forward to sharing more details as the project progresses.”
A clear land grab with the use of the power of the state. King Council employed at our expense against some people who have issues with literacy. Many on benefits using food banks against a Labour Council already allocated 29 million of our taxes and committed to spend what ever it takes.
People are happy with the new building, but unhappy that Blackpool council are not using the three sites that are available to build straight away. More importantly why not the area allocated 15 years ago for future development and which they purchased about 40 to 50% over those years.
Blackpool Council have submitted a new major design and altered location for Multiversity, to Planning after previous designed approved less than six months ago. Was this additional waste of money a result of the planned Public Inquiry to held at the Imperial Hotel November and December. Where objectors raised issues of land banking and unethical business and community practices?