Blackpool central site 'one step closer'

Plans to deliver a £300m leisure complex in Blackpool designed to attract 600,000 more tourists and create 1,000 new jobs are moving forward.

Council leaders in the resort have announced that terms have been agreed and signed with developers for the lease of land at the Blackpool Central site.

They say the move brings a deal to allow the enabling stage and Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the regeneration proposals to get underway “one step closer”.

Council leader Simon Blackburn said: “Last autumn, developers Nikal Ltd and media company Media Invest Entertainment announced proposals for the ‘Blackpool Central’ scheme in the heart of the town.

“The proposals would include new leisure and visitor attractions and would bring approximately £300m of investment into the town. 

“Throughout the course of this year the council has continued negotiations with Nikal in relation to the terms of the development and for bringing the proposals to fruition.

“These negotiations are now at an advanced stage and we are delighted to announce that the terms have now been agreed for the release of the land required to kick-start development on the site.”

Under the plans the 17-acre development site, which currently includes one of Blackpool’s biggest surface car parks, the magistrate’s court and former police station, will be transformed in several development phases.