New Business Centre named after influential 1930s architect

The renovation of Stanley Buildings in Blackpool town centre is nearing completion, transforming previously disused space into a contemporary business centre to be named ‘The Robinson’.

The name is inspired by Blackpool Corporation’s former chief architect, John Charles Robinson, who between 1920-1944 designed many of Blackpool’s landmark civic buildings including libraries, schools, swimming baths, leisure facilities and tourist infrastructure. 

Notable examples of his work include the Derby Baths and South Shore Open Air Baths, the Technical College on Palatine Road, Stanley Park’s Art Deco café, Cricket Club Pavilion and Golf Clubhouse. Several promenade features include the Solarium (now Solaris), the middle and lower walk Colonnades, the Cabin Lift and Bispham Tram Stop. 

The triangular shaped Stanley Buildings was completed in 1935, replacing terraced housing.  It was set back in line with the adjacent Midland Bank to allow new tram lines for Church Street. 

Its distinctive art deco faience tile façade and mosaics, in corporation cream and green colours, is still present in a number of heritage buildings in Blackpool today. 

The original building comprised 26 shops at ground floor level with corporation offices above called Stanley Chambers.

The newly refurbished space comprises a range of flexible and affordable offices, meeting rooms and co-working ‘hot desks’ suitable for entrepreneurs and growth-oriented small businesses.

Modern facilities include ultra-fast fibre broadband, new kitchens, showers, a secure bike store and fully equipped meeting rooms.

Investment in air source heat pumps and solar panels is forecast to save over 64 tonnes of CO2 per annum, demonstrating Blackpool Council’s commitment to sustainability. 

Wider investment in the building has included renewal of the roof, new windows, façade repairs, and as well as the installation of new shopfronts.   

The building offers over 40 private office spaces, ranging from small suites for growing businesses to larger spaces for more established organisations. There are six meeting rooms for hire, perfect for anything from team meetings to client presentations.

The co-work space offers a vibrant and collaborative environment, with membership packages available for flexible or dedicated desk options, making it an ideal location for freelancers and remote workers who want to be part of a business community or who simply wish to work near home.

Business support will be readily available, with regular events and assistance from The Blackpool Growth Business Academy, including access to scale-up specialists.

The scheme is led by Blackpool Council, supported by Cassidy + Ashton architects; local construction company, F Parkinson Ltd, acting as main contractor; Bev Wood Design (BWD) as lead interior designer and Happy Creative as marketing and branding partner.

Well over 50% of the contract value is being spent with local suppliers, with additional social value benefitting the local community.  

The project is part of wider plans to make the town centre more attractive to residents, businesses and investors, and making Blackpool better for everyone.

Cllr Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment at Blackpool Council, said: “It is a fitting tribute for the development to be named after renowned Borough architect, John Charles Robinson.

“He is responsible for the design of some of the town’s most iconic buildings and this is a perfect way to recognise the significance of his contributions. 

“The Robinson embodies the optimism and forward-thinking energy of its era. This sense of history and legacy has been captured in the building’s branding, which combines the best of yesteryear with the promise of a bright, modern future.

“The works will secure the long-term use of the building and safeguard it for future generations of entrepreneurs.”

The £8.2m project has received £4.5m from the Town Deal, £3.1m from the council and £600k from the UK Shared Prosperity to support shopfront renewal and low carbon investment. It is expected to be completed in summer 2025.