Blackpool leisure destination announcement ‘within weeks’

Blackpool is “within weeks” of making a major announcement on plans to build a new year-round leisure destination in the heart of the resort.

Nick Gerrard, programme director for growth and prosperity at Blackpool Council, has revealed that the official launch of the ambitious project on the town’s Central Station site is imminent.

He was speaking at an event held to launch the latest issue of Lancashire Business View, which took place at the Lancashire Energy HQ on the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

Plans to create a major new attraction on the old station site, once earmarked as home for the resort’s super-casino, were first revealed two years ago, with the local authority entering an exclusivity agreement with an un-named developer.

Describing the venture as a “major new leisure development” Nick told last night’s event: “The objective is to encourage the year-round visitor market.”

And he added that as well as the leisure destination plan, up to six new quality hotels are either in the pipeline or being built as Blackpool looks to entice visitors to stay longer in the resort.

Council deputy leader Gillian Campbell is reported to have been in Florida recently, discussing the Central Station proposals, which are said to include “world class” new attractions.

Last night’s event also heard about a host of regeneration work taking place or planned for Blackpool and the Fylde Coast, including the continued development of the airport enterprise zone.

A panel of business leaders from the area, including Claire Jameson, from Blackpool and The Fylde College; Steve Williams of manufacturing businesses Force Technology; Karen Lambert of marketing agency Happy Creative and Martin Wrigley of Jones Harris accountants, discussed the area’s fortunes.

Guests to the event also heard from Vikki Harris of Marketing Lancashire, who spoke about the emerging Lancashire Ambassadors’ programme.

The first Lancashire Ambassador, cricket legend and broadcaster Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, features on the cover of the latest issue of Lancashire Business View, which officially unveiled its new redesign at the launch.

The latest issue, with an in-depth exclusive interview with the new Top Gear presenter on his county role, is out now.

The event also featured Workhouse Marketing and Unified World plus key advice pieces from West Craven Insurance Services, Harrison Drury and Barton Grange Hotel.

The event was sponsored by Blackpool Council.