Blackpool secures £39.5m regeneration funding

The government has approved £39.5m of regeneration funding which will enable Blackpool to invest in and upgrade a number of key buildings and tourist attractions.

Blackpool was invited to pitch for support from the government's Towns Fund in November of last year, receiving an initial £170,000 to invest in creating a bid. A formal proposal was submitted in August.

With the agreement now finalised, Blackpool Council can now begin on a number of projects, which include:

• Relocation of Blackpool Magistrates and County Courts, which will spark the £300m development of Blackpool Central leisure facility set to create 1,000 jobs
• The development of a new multiversity which will help more than 1,000 new learners to enter into education and gain qualifications, and improve the percentage of working-age population with qualifications.
• The creation of Blackpool Youth Hub to support 16-to-24-year-olds who aren't in education, employment or training
• Build Revoe Community Sports Village on a disused site
• Investment in infrastructure at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone
• Delivery of high-quality, affordable commercial floor space in the town centre
• Modernisation of Blackpool Illuminations

The council and Town Board will now work with Government to demonstrate the feasibility, viability and value for money of the various projects with the ultimate goal of ensuring all Blackpool residents benefit from the investment.

Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of the Council, said: "The deal will help facilitate some key projects but we are hopeful that this is only the start of the journey. We want to open up a wider conversation with Government about ways in which they can help the town to achieve its long-term aspirations.

"Our vision for Blackpool is ambitious but very much achievable if we can secure the right level of support."

Paul Smith, chair of the Town Board, added: "We are extremely grateful to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for the belief they have showed in our plans to revitalise Blackpool. This is the first step to realising our vision for the area and we look forward to working across Government to tackle other important local issues and place-based funding such as healthcare and education."

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