£30m resort centre revamp begins

A £30m redevelopment of Blackpool's main shopping centre begins on Monday that will treble its current size.

The revamp of Hounds Hill will see new stores, with a Debenham's on the corner of Albert Road and Coronation Street, and a 63-bed hotel on top.

The multi-storey car park on Albert Road has already been demolished ahead of the work starting on the upgrade of the resort's centre.

Debenham's hopes to open its three storey store in the spring of 2008.

The redevelopment was given the go-ahead in 2005 following a public inquiry.

Blackpool Council believes it will improve town centre shopping for residents and visitors.

The council see it as part of masterplan to revive the resort.