Foxhall development sites to be released

Blackpool Council has appointed DPP Shape and Keppie Massie to help write a Foxhall Area Action Plan for the rundown part of the town centre.

The framework will suggest sites for redevelopment and schedule their release to market as part of a 15-year strategy to support regeneration in this area of the resort.

Foxhall is located south of Blackpool Tower with a Promenade frontage and is one of the oldest areas of the town. It was originally developed as a resort neighbourhood accommodating Blackpool's visitors within a vibrant tourist "village". However, the area's hotels and guest houses have gradually diminished, leaving behind run down residential streets and low-quality tourist uses.

DPP Shape is tasked with producing concept design proposals for development sites and a public realm framework within a comprehensive plan. Keppie Massie will provide valuation and market advice.

Lyndsey Cookson at Blackpool Council said: "Blackpool Council has made good progress on the Foxhall AAP to date, and is committed to the regeneration of Foxhall and other resort areas. In order to progress the plan to the next stages we need to develop viable regeneration models based on creating a sustainable, thriving community whilst retaining important quality, tourist-related uses."

Once this feasibility work has been completed, there will be further public consultation with residents in Blackpool expected during the first half of this year.

Shelagh McNerney, managing director of Manchester-based DPP Shape, said: "Shape is rapidly creating a name for itself in coastal regeneration following on from recent appointments in Rhyl and Colwyn Bay and now Blackpool. Our unique combination of design flair and forward thinking grounded in a sensitive understanding of the difficult market for regeneration means we can offer relevant and progressive advice to both the public and private sectors. The Shape team are delighted to be working with Ged Massie and his team, bringing our many years of creative problem solving to bear on these great towns."