Coop Street, Blackpool

Project Overview

The Coop Street project involved converting three terraced hotels in central Blackpool into nine residential apartments—three per building. The scheme included full internal and external refurbishment, structural reinforcement, a shared rear extension, new roof dormers, and total reconfiguration of each property. The buildings were stripped back to brick and rebuilt into a unified development with consistent finishes and layouts across all apartments.

Project Context

Located in the centre of Blackpool, the three hotels had become outdated and were no longer suitable for modern use. The client aimed to replace the disjointed hotel layouts with nine high-quality apartments that functioned as a cohesive development. The project supported local regeneration objectives, offering contemporary homes in place of redundant accommodation. The buildings’ age, complexity of integrating three properties, and urban location presented several design and construction challenges.

Design and Architectural Features

Working to the architect’s plans, we carried out the full reconfiguration and extension of the three buildings. Key features included:

• Unified Layouts: All three buildings were structurally and internally integrated to create nine open-plan apartments with a consistent internal arrangement.
• Rear Extension: A single rear extension was constructed across all buildings, providing additional floor area and improving layout flexibility.
• Roof Dormers: New dormers were installed to increase usable space and natural light in the top-floor units.
• Internal Fit-Out: Interiors were stripped to brick and fully refitted with modern kitchens, bathrooms, and finishes.
• Facade Restoration: External brickwork was restored, and modern details were added in keeping with the surrounding area.

Construction Methodology

We undertook the following construction processes:

• Strip-Out to Brick: All internal partitions, fittings, and outdated services were removed to create a blank canvas for rebuilding.
• Structural Works: Steel beams and columns were installed to support new floor plans, the rear extension, and dormers.
• Extension Build: The rear extension was constructed using lightweight materials and matched to the existing buildings.
• Dormer Installation: Roof structures were modified to accommodate dormers with appropriate insulation and weatherproofing.
• Internal Fit-Out: We built new internal walls and installed new plumbing, electrics, flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms.
• Thermal Upgrades: The buildings were improved with high-performance insulation and modern heating systems.

Prefabricated components were used where possible to reduce time on site and minimise disruption in the surrounding area.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Several measures were taken to reduce the environmental impact of the project:

• Material Reuse: Where viable, we retained and restored original brickwork to reduce waste.
• Thermal Efficiency: Double-glazed windows, improved insulation, and updated heating systems improved the energy performance of all units.
• Construction Impact: Lightweight extension materials and prefabricated elements reduced on-site emissions and traffic.
• Durable Finishes: Low-maintenance materials were used to reduce long-term upkeep and energy costs.

Based on the materials used and retrofit techniques, we estimate U-values between 0.18–0.25 W/m²K, consistent with current refurbishment standards.

Challenges and Solutions

The project involved a number of logistical and technical issues:

• Weakened Structures: We reinforced the existing frameworks with steel to support the new layout.
• Building Integration: Internal walls and services were reconfigured to allow the three buildings to function as a single development.
• Urban Site Constraints: Working in a dense urban area required careful scheduling and use of prefabricated elements to minimise disruption.
• Planning Requirements: The dormers and extensions had to comply with planning policy. We worked within permitted development limits where applicable and secured approval through proactive engagement.

Client Experience and Outcomes

The client was pleased with how we delivered a consistent and unified result across all three buildings. The apartments are now functional, modern homes with open-plan layouts, good natural light, and efficient use of space. The dormers added valuable headroom and light to the top-floor units, while the rear extension provided additional flexibility for each layout.

Throughout the project, we maintained regular communication and ensured the development aligned with the client’s goals for a high-quality, cohesive scheme.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates our ability to manage complex refurbishments in an urban context. Through a complete overhaul of three adjoining buildings, we delivered nine modern apartments suited to today’s housing needs. The Coop Street scheme contributes to Blackpool’s ongoing regeneration by replacing obsolete hotel accommodation with long-term housing in a well-executed, sustainable development.