It was due to start this month and work has now begun on the demolition of Wilkinson’s in Blackpool – one of the last major obstacles to overcome before trams can start running on the extension of the tramway to Blackpool North Railway Station.
As we have mentioned countless times over the past few years the Wilko’s building is located where the new tramway terminus will be located, along with the site of a new hotel complex. When the rails were installed on Talbot Road Wilko’s still firmly remained in situ with the company waiting for a new location in the town before they could move. In the event this new location wasn’t going to be ready for some time and the business closed earlier this year in preparation for this demolition work.
The demolition of the building is now expected to take the remainder of the year before progress can continue on other aspects of the Talbot Gateway project – including the tramway. The whole project is due to be finished in 2022.
Work now started on raising the old Wilko’s building to the ground as seen in this sunny view. (Photograph by Peter Dockerty, 14th September 2020)
As the saying goes ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, but things are now progressing in the right direction. Whilst Wilko was a very good store, I believe it was in the wrong place to maximise trade opportunities, being out of town except for rail users. I recall that whenever I took the train to Blackpool I always passed the store without entering, either because I was keen to reach the trams (or my hotel if staying) or else on limited time to catch a train. I suspect the case was similar for many. I think a new bus interchange will serve the area very well as long distance buses could easily connect there to the tram service, thus bringing more revenue onto the tramway. Both the tram service and bus operators will also benefit from close proximity to Blackpool North.
Its not out of town at all, Sainsbury’s, Iceland, farm foods, Heron etc etc are all close by. Its out of town for the general visitor but not local. I pass it all the time walking into town.