Stanley Buildings

The art-deco locally-listed Stanley Buildings date back to 1935. Now, this impressive block in Blackpool town centre is getting a face-lift! ‘The Robinson’ is named after Blackpool’s influential chief architect.

Stanley Buildings

Stanley Buildings occupies the block bounded by Church Street, Cookson and Caunce Streets.

Previously, the bulk of the building was FY Creatives, a multi-use managed workspace (154-158 Church St, Blackpool FY1 3PS. Tel: 01253 477147). A business hub for creative folk in Blackpool/Fylde. Offices, hot desks, business support and signposting. Current works will see it converted into 44 offices and meeting rooms in the town centre, named after an influential 1930’s architect.

When complete, the contemporary business centre will be named ‘The Robinson’. John Charles Robinson was Blackpool Corporation’s former chief architect. Between 1920-1944 he designed many of Blackpool’s landmark civic buildings including libraries, schools, swimming baths, leisure facilities and tourist infrastructure. 

The Robinson embodies the optimism and forward-thinking energy of its era. The building’s branding captures history and legacy, combining the best of yesteryear with the promise of a bright, modern future.

Renovation of the Stanley Buildings

The aim of the renovation is to secure the long-term use of the building and safeguard it for the future.

Blackpool Councillors agreed a plan to create a business hub here in March 2022. 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. The plan is to preserve the historic aspects of this attractive building, expected to be complete in summer 2025. The works will secure the long-term use of the building and safeguard it for future generations of entrepreneurs.

We went to have a look around it in early 2024 before work began –

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With many original features kept, works will aim to preserve the original fabric of the building. Renovations include:

• Existing window openings reglazed to retain faience ceramics
• Keeping existing window designs of the shopfronts, with glazing to the floor
• Renovation of existing brickwork along with restoration and cleaning of exterior faience and mosaic tiles
• Installation of new windows to all upper floors
• Eight shopfronts replaced now – others when funding becomes available
• Removal of landscaping in the courtyard to create hardstanding for car parking
• Modern facilities include ultra-fast fibre broadband, new kitchens, showers, a secure bike store and fully equipped meeting room

Modern Facilities in an Art Deco Building

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

There are over 40 private offices, ranging from small suites for growing businesses to larger spaces for more established organisations. Six meeting rooms are available for hire. Perfect for anything from team meetings to client presentations.

Flexible co-worker space is being created on the ground floor. This offers a vibrant and collaborative environment for freelancers and remote workers alike. Membership packages are available for flexible or dedicated desk options. It’s an ideal location for anyone who wants to be part of a business community or simply wishes 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.

Making it environmentally friendly for the future, air source heat pumps and solar panels will power the office spaces. This investment is forecast to save over 64 tonnes of CO2 per annum, demonstrating Blackpool Council’s commitment to sustainability. And, more than 50% of the contract value is being spent with local suppliers, plus additional social value benefitting the local community.

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Look Around – Before, During and After

These first photos date to 2022-2024, before any of the restoration works started –

Many of the shop units within the block are vacant and were in a poor state of repair. You can also see how the mosaic and tilework is in need of restoration.

By the summer of 2024 scaffolding is in place and work well under way to bring this attractive building back to life!

History of the Stanley Buildings

The shape of this striking, triangular building is best seen from the western side at Church Street. Built by Edward Lomax, the original terraced houses of Stanley Terrace stood at the divergence of Church Street and Caunce Street. The original housing was demolished in November 1932. It was set back in line with the adjacent Midland Bank to allow new tram lines for Church Street.

The council bought it as land for more shops, offices and underground public toilets. The original Stanley Buildings of 1935 comprised 26 shops at ground floor level with corporation offices above called Stanley Chambers.

Sold in 1986, the Midland Bank once occupied the attractive stone-mullioned tip of the corner. The main entrance is off Church Street and the courtyard accessed from Caunce Street. Cookson Street forms the third side of the plot.

John Charles Robinson

Renowned Borough architect John Charles Robinson designed the Stanley Buildings. He was famous for a wide range of civic buildings such as Derby Baths and South Shore Open Air Baths, many libraries, offices and leisure amenities. Including 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. 

It’s a fitting tribute for the development to be named after renowned Borough architect, John Charles Robinson. He worked for Blackpool Council from 1920-1944 eventually becoming the Borough Architect. He’s 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. 

Completed in 1935 it’s clad in cream faience and mosaics with a frieze of Viking ships. The distinctive corporation cream and green colours are still present in a number of heritage buildings in Blackpool today. Designated a building of historical significance, it’s on the Blackpool Local List.