CPO likely in push for Blackpool housing regeneration

Having competed 28 of the 310 acquisitions required for phase one of a plan to redevelop poor-quality housing around Central Drive, the council is preparing to use its compulsory purchase powers to take control of the rest.

In total, Blackpool Council has completed or agreed terms with owners of 111 properties within the 13-acre phase one site since April 2025.

The acquisition of the remaining 64.2% of property interests has yet to conclude, according to a report to the council’s executive.

The report adds that it is “unlikely that all necessary interests can be acquired through negotiation alone” and that not using CPO powers “could call into the question the council’s commitment to the delivery of the scheme”.

The council needs to take control of all assets within the phase one area so that it can knock them down and push ahead with plans to clear the land and build 230 new homes.

The scheme seeks to address the area’s “extremely dysfunctional” housing market.

The area in question has some of the worst health and socio-economic metrics in the country. Blackpool’s ‘inner area’ is characterised by high unemployment, poor health outcomes, drug use, and low levels of education, according to the council.

Homes England has given Blackpool Council £90m to support the first phase of development, including land acquisitions.

Some £55m will be spent on acquiring and demolishing existing properties on Ashton Road, Central Drive, Chadwick Street, Erdington Road, Grasmere Road, Harrison Street, Kent Road, Montrose Avenue, Princess Street, Rigby Road, Rydal Avenue and Salthouse Avenue.