Tram testing has taken place in a Lancashire town as work continues to deliver a £220million 4* Holiday Inn, Marco Pierre White restaurant and new underpass.
At the end of June, trams ran along the extended section of track on Talbot Road between North Pier and Blackpool North Tram Hub, as part of a week-long exercise to operationally test the track and signaling equipment.
The milestone was a progressive step in the delivery of the Talbot Gateway Phase 2 project, which will house an integrated tram and train transport hub, a four star Holiday Inn hotel, Marco Pierre White’s New York Italian diner and new retail units in a bright, modern new underpass linking to Blackpool North train station.
Talbot Gateway is a £220m investment which will improve transport links for residents and visitors to the resort.
Residents will enjoy a direct link to shops and leisure activities and commuters will benefit from quicker journeys to and from Blackpool North Train Station.
Ahead of the testing, managing director at Blackpool Transport Jane Cole, said: “We’re really excited to see the first of our trams travelling all the way up to the new Transport Hub as part of the testing works.
"This is an important step for us as we check that all of the signals and crossings are operating as expected, whilst making sure that our operating procedure for this section of track is well tested too.”
eader of Blackpool Council, Cllr Lynn Williams, said: “It is exciting to be at the tramway testing stage.
"This significant step in the Talbot Gateway development will enable the rest of the works to the underpass and the hotel to be finalised.
"For now though, residents will have to wait a little while longer to ride the new tram track themselves, as we need to ensure passenger safety with the hotel and underpass fully complete before going live with the new services.
"When open, the new transport connections at the new North Station terminus will completely transform the way we travel around the town.”
The Talbot Gateway Phase 2 development, delivered via a 15 year partnership by Blackpool Council and Muse Developments, is expected to be complete in spring 2023, enhancing Blackpool’s vibrant central business district.
An £80m investment in Phase 1 includes grade A offices, a flagship Sainsbury’s superstore, a gym, retail units, new public realm and an award winning multi-storey car park.
A new road layout and modern pavements have helped to transform the once run-down area in the north of the town centre, creating a new vibrant place to work and do business.
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