Fylde MP Mark Menzies has welcomed works to improve the JR Taylor site in St Annes - and has called for the move to be the catalyst for change in the town.
The new owners of the key town centre site have started to clean up the building, following years of decline as the building was embroiled in a legal battle between its former owner and lessee.
Mr Menzies said: "I’m delighted to see works begin on the JR Taylor site following its sale after a protracted court battle that kept it off the market for years.
"I hope this will now be the catalyst for further investment in St Annes.
"Fylde and St Annes Town Councils have recognised the need to raise funding for the centre and plans are coming along – to see work going ahead at the JR Taylor site is a real sign of confidence in the town."
Mr Menzies has already joined Fylde Council, Sty Annes Town Council and St Annes Enterprise Partnership in an initial look into how to improve the town.
He added: "It is important that the council and private landlords work together. We know there are private landlords and investment funds which are probably not even aware they own a piece of property in the town; we must make sure they are aware and invest in those properties to maximise their potential, redeveloping empty premises above retail units to provide quality new accommodation.
"If we get good quality accommodation above those shops, it gives us a captive audience for the shops below and more reason for businesses to invest in the town."