Blackpool has received a lot of government funding, but is it enough? Credit: Place North West

Govt signs off £39.5m Blackpool Town Deal projects

Work can now begin on all seven schemes, including the redevelopment of the Stanley Buildings, a new road connecting the key sites in the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, and the relocation of the county and magistrates’ courts.

View Blackpool Council projects on the Place North West Development Map 

Funding had initially been awarded to Blackpool for the projects in October 2020 but had been ring-fenced as the government evaluated each individual business case. Those businesses cases have now been approved.

“This is a huge moment for the people of Blackpool,” said Neil O’Brien MP, minister for levelling up, the union and constitution.

“This £39.5m million Town Deal will back seven impressive projects to revitalise the town, strengthen the local economy and help Blackpool become a thriving coastal community again.”

Blackpool Town Deal Board chair Paul Smith agreed.

“It is a huge step forward now these projects have been given the final seal of approval,” Smith said.

“The Town Deal Board proudly work to that ensure we represent the needs and views of the Blackpool community and businesses and I am confident this investment is going to the right places with the right plans.”

Blackpool Council leader Cllr Lynn Williams said it was “incredibly exciting” that work can begin on the projects. “I encourage residents to stay engaged and aware of the developing projects and how they and their families can get involved and benefit directly from them,” she said.

“Our refreshed council plan will soon be launched, the Town Deal projects are a big part of that – providing more jobs for more people, more opportunities and a better place to live and work, truly making Blackpool better.”

The seven projects, along with how much of the £39.5m they were allocated, are as follows:

  • Blackpool Central Courts Relocation: £6.95m has been allocated towards supporting the relocation of the county and magistrates’ courts. This will release land for the £300m Blackpool Central project, this first phase of which is set to start on site this month.
  • Blackpool Multiversity Land Assembly: £9m has been allocated for land assembly to help with the relocation of the Blackpool & The Fylde College’s Palatine Road to eventually create the HawkinsBrown-designed Multiversity in the town centre.
  • Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone: £7.5m has been allocated towards constructing a new road to connect sites in the zone, opening 26 acres for development.
  • Revoe Community Sports Village: £6.5m has been allocated towards building sports pitches and facilities in Revoe.
  • The Edge: £4.5m has been allocated towards redeveloping the Stanley Buildings, turning them into a business hub with modern offices for small businesses and start-ups, breakout spaces and coworking spaces.
  • Blackpool Illuminations: £4.5m has been allocated towards creating new features and enhancing lighting technology to upgrade the Blackpool Illuminations.
  • Youth Hub: £500,000 has been allocated towards making a space for the young jobseekers to get career advice and training. The youth hub will sit in the council-owned Bickerstaffe House.

Blackpool Council’s Alan Cavill spoke about the authority’s large regeneration projects at the Place North West Lancashire Development Update in February. Read what he had to say.

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