The Fylde's main police station could move to a site by Blackpool North railway station as part of a new multi-million pound development, it was revealed this week.

The current Western Division police headquarters on New Bonny Street have been earmarked as the site of a casino and conference centre and developers have been told they could form part of a massive development around Talbot Road.

The 12.8 hectare 'Talbot Gateway' covers both Blackpool North railway station and the much-maligned bus station as well as land between Buchanan Street and Topping Street.

Planners also want the development to feature shops, including a large food retailer, commercial and civic offices, parking and transport facilities. The courts at New Bonny Street could also move.

Reg Haslam, director of development for ReBlackpool, the urban regeneration company which is promoting the site, said: "We are looking forward to spearheading another regeneration scheme that offers something really special in the town.

"We are also looking forward to selecting an ambitious developer that is able to deliver realistic commercial proposals for this large-scale site, and maximise the opportunities it offers as a major gateway for people travelling by rail, bus, car and foot."

The developers will have to work with Network Rail, which owns the railway station, as well as the council and other local groups.

Much of the land is already council owned although compulsory purchase orders could be issued against some buildings on the site. Work will take place in a number of phases, to be determined by agreement with the developers.

The development was advertised in the trade press last week and developers have until March 10 to put forward their proposals. The three best schemes will then be shortlisted before a final decision later in the year.