BUS STATION FOR BLACKPOOL TOWN CENTRE For Blackpool to benefit from the regeneration growth that Brighton has successfully enjoyed over the past 20 years, the town needs to embrace radical change . Since the closure of the Talbot Road bus station over a decade ago, in addition with the rise of online shopping this area of the town centre has suffered significantly. The sheer volume of vacant retail spaces with the increase of pop up and charity shops highlights the desperate need for improving the image of this tired end of town. Admittedly the New Sainsburys and The Council offices are a huge improvement and good first impression to those stepping from the train at North Station. The former Talbot Road bus station was far from ideal due to its bricked up side elevation causing a dark layout. However should funding be allocated for improving the towns public transport, the re-opening the Talbot Road bus station as a bright and modern bus interchange would be a wise and practical decision that would cost a great deal less than the construction of a new building . Its current dormant and vacant position is highlighting the over supply of retail opportunities and unfortunately these potential retail and leisure spaces have remained empty for 12 months and could become a long term White Elelphant building. Affordable parking and good public transport links have historically been the key to improving UK towns and cities which have equally been in desperate need of regeneration. The £7m refurbished Talbot muilti storey car park is without doubt the finest site in the whole of the North West yet remains a terrible loss maker for Blackpool Council and its rate payers. This site has the capacity to become the busiest year round car park in Blackpool offering greater footfall and improvement for the area and beyond. In reality the parking tariff needs to reflect its disadvantaged edge of the town location and the charges reduced to re-establish its position to gain new customers. Blackpool residents and business owners deserve to witness practical progress which can be gained during these testing times. The town does not deserve to receive further negative publicity, ridicule, or increasing decline due to the run down image of empty shops and failed businesses. Increased footfall will welcome private and corporate investment opportunities offering local employment and attract a wider range of YEAR ROUND shoppers and visitors. Our regional neighbours Manchester, and Liverpool are today reaping the benefits, gained from their regeneration visionaries who have clearly achieved their aims and aspirations over the past 20 years. (Photo credit Fylde Bus Blog 1984 )
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 10:04:47 +0000
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