Former Perry’s showroom in Blackpool Road Credit: Google
A new mini-supermarket, gym, coffee shop and retail unit will be making its way to the former Perry’s site on Blackpool Road.
Just up the road from Deepdale Retail Park, the existing buildings on the vacant land will be demolished and NW Architects will be replacing them with three new units.
The new units will include a non-food retail unit with a mezzanine gym, a food store and a coffee pod.
The site will also incorporate space for parking, along with access roads within the development to allow vehicles to pass through easily.
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St Matthew’s ward councillor Jade Marie Morgan said: “At the moment, everyone is eager to see something on the site; no one wants it to remain in the derelict state that it currently is, because it is a real eye sore and detracts from the community.
“The possibility of increased traffic in the area has already been raised and was one of the main worries when we heard about the plans – councillor Leeming and I attended a meeting with the organisation who have drawn up the plans, where we discussed a variety of concerns, including traffic.
“There are also steps in motion to conduct a consultation with local residents in order to better understand what they think of the proposals and then utilise their opinions as an indication of what the area really needs – whether that be a supermarket, a gym, a coffee shop, or something else entirely – and I personally believe their opinions need to remain a guiding force behind the plans.
“If they are unhappy with what is proposed, then as one of their elected representatives, I will stand behind them all the way and do my best to see to it that their concerns are properly voiced and they have a say in the proceedings.
“If there is support from residents, I am more than happy to support the proposals wholeheartedly as well.
“Until the consultation is completed and we have more information, I am hopeful that this presents itself as an opportunity to better the St. Matthew’s community.”
What do you think about the new development? Have you visited Deepdale Retail Park recently? Let us know in the comments below