Work begins on new hotel and bar on site of landmark former Blackpool venue

Work is finally under way to build a new promenade hotel and bar development on what was once a landmark Art Deco style building on the land in Blackpool.

The original multi-million pound plans to regenerate the former Yates Wine Lodge in South Shore were scrapped as long-term deterioration of its concrete and steel structure meant the building could not be made safe - and had to be demolished in November last year.

Blackpool Council planners approved fresh proposals to build a new version of the hotel and bar in February.

This week the site became a hive of activity, with workmen making the site ready for construction to begin with a member of the team saying the building was expected to be completed by next year.

The project entails the erection of a three-storey building at 407-411 Promenade, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A revised planning statement on behalf of the application, from architect firm Abbott Hull Associates, stated: "The replacement building is to be of the same scale and footprint, together with a change of use to a hotel and drinking establishment with extended food provision.

"The proposal includes ancillary dining and events space, an additional storey, a roof terrace, a front canopy with roof terrace above, a three-storey rear extension, and a single-storey glazed rear seating area, along with external rendering and cladding."

Some 13 planning conditions were attached to the planning permission.

The former Yates bar on the Blackpool seafront was originally known as the Lion Hotel.

Opened in 1937 and designed by architect Halstead Best, it was a renowned Art Deco property with a circular tower and red brick façade before its closure and subsequent demolition.

In its heyday, the Yates was a busy venue and one of the most popular bars on South Shore seafront.

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