Blackpool launches search for housing partner
Backed by £110.4m of Homes England grant funding, the council is looking to redevelop a 13-acre tranche of the town centre with 230 homes.
The formal procurement process to appoint a development partner for the Central Housing Regeneration Area project has now been triggered by Blackpool Council.
The local authority has now issued a ‘request to participate,’ inviting experienced development and regeneration organisations to apply for the opportunity.
Cushman & Wakefield is acting as strategic property adviser to Blackpool on the process.
The housing scheme aims to transform the Central Drive area, and forms part of a wider 15-year vision to transform housing and communities across inner Blackpool.
Along with homes, the masterplan is to include public spaces, community facilities, local commercial uses, and enhanced infrastructure. Subject to approvals, development work could begin in 2028.
The council said it is seeking a development partner with a strong track record in large-scale regeneration, placemaking, funding and delivery to help create a high-quality residential-led neighbourhood that will act as a catalyst for wider regeneration across inner Blackpool, addressing long-standing housing market challenges and creating a more sustainable and attractive place to live.
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Cllr Dave Flanagan, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “People who live in central Blackpool deserve quality housing, nice neighbourhoods and green spaces where they want to raise their children.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a developer to be part of Blackpool’s transformation story. We are looking for a development partner who shares our ambition to create high-quality homes, attractive public spaces and a thriving community that will improve the lives of local people for decades to come.”
Blackpool is pressing forward on several fronts. It was last week confirmed as one of the final four contenders for UK City of Culture 2029, and has progressed a couple of other key projects – Morgan Sindall has signed to deliver the relocated courts complex, while the council has started the process of finding a new partner for the £300m Blackpool Central following Nikal’s demise.
Cllr Flanagan continued: “Central Blackpool has enormous potential. This project is about far more than housing. It is about creating a sustainable neighbourhood, tackling long-standing challenges and providing the foundations for future growth and investment. The project doesn’t stand alone either. We are bringing new social housing, jobs and community facilities to the central Blackpool area already and are in the middle of a wider £2bn transformation of Blackpool as a place.
“We want to hear from organisations who have the vision, expertise and commitment to join us on this journey to make Blackpool better for the people who live here.”
Hannah Gradwell, partner in land, development & planning at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Opportunities of this scale and significance are rare. The Central Housing Regeneration Area combines the delivery of much-needed new homes with the opportunity to play a leading role in the regeneration of one of Blackpool’s most important neighbourhoods.
“With a clear vision, public sector commitment and substantial investment already secured, we expect strong interest from development partners that can bring the expertise, creativity and capability needed to deliver a transformational scheme for the town.”
Progress has already been made, with a hybrid planning application has been submitted on behalf of the council by WSP, which is expected to be determined this autumn.
More than 150 property interests within the development area have been acquired, exchanged or are subject to agreed acquisition terms.
Interested parties are invited to participate in the procurement process via The Chest procurement portal by 6pm on Friday 20 November.
