Residents in Blackpool have been assured that former government offices at Mexford House will not be turned into accommodation for asylum seekers after new rumours spread online this week.
Chris Webb strongly rejected the claims, describing them as false and misleading. The building, located on Mexford Avenue in Bispham, is currently being redeveloped into residential apartments after receiving approval from planners two years ago.
According to Webb, he had already received direct confirmation from the UK Home Office that there are no plans to increase asylum dispersal housing in Blackpool. He explained that the rumours about Mexford House have surfaced several times in recent years but have repeatedly been proven untrue.
The former Department for Work and Pensions office is undergoing major redevelopment work. Under the approved plans, the large site will be converted into 120 self-contained flats with parking spaces, bike storage, and waste facilities.
The project was approved by Blackpool Council in June 2024 after developers submitted revised proposals. Earlier plans for the building included fewer apartments, but the final approved design increased the number of homes to 120.
Webb also referred to the closure of asylum accommodation at the Metropole Hotel, saying he had previously worked with authorities to reduce pressure linked to migrant housing in the area. He stressed that there are currently no discussions about using Mexford House for asylum accommodation.
The rumours had circulated widely on local social media pages, leading to concern among some residents. However, local authorities and the MP have insisted the site remains strictly a residential housing redevelopment project.
The redevelopment of Mexford House is expected to provide additional housing in the area while transforming the long-unused building into modern apartments for residents.