Blackpool receives £9m for town centre renovations

Blackpool has been granted £8.6m of government funds to undertake two town centre rejuvenation projects which could help create more than 200 jobs.

The money is from the COVID-19 Getting Building Fund and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership has formally approved the plans.

The second phase of the Houndshill Shopping Centre development has been allocated £5m. The funds will go towards the total £20m cost of upgrading the retail and leisure facilities.

Abingdon Street Market has been allocated £3.63m to enhance the visitor experience and increase its footfall.

The money will be used to acquire the building and support the creation of a range of independent retail and food retail services, and office uses, together with performance space, that will provide amenities and wider benefits and promote increased investor confidence in the area.

Steve Fogg, chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership said, ''It is fantastic that Blackpool has managed to secure funding for two projects through the Getting Building Better Fund.  The Covid-19 crisis has naturally had an adverse impact on most areas of the Lancashire economy, and Blackpool particularly so due to its reliance on the tourism and leisure industries. 

"The two schemes in Blackpool have the potential to create up to 225 jobs and revitalise the town centre.  When added to the significant investment by the LEP through Growth Deal funds, the most recent of which was a contribution to the manufacturing facility on the Enterprise Zone, I am confident we will see transformational change in the town and increase investor confidence in the area."

Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council said: "Over the past seven months the team at the council have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that none of the momentum is lost on the regeneration of the town centre and now that we have formal approval and funds in place, we can hit the ground running.”

• For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.