Development partner wanted for £90m Blackpool homes plan

Blackpool Council has begun the search for a development partner to help it deliver a £90m housing-led regeneration project in the town.

An ‘early market engagement exercise’ has been launched as the local authority looks to move its plan for Central Drive forward.

The council is looking to redevelop a 5.41-hectare site close to the town centre, creating up to 230 new energy-efficient homes for local people, alongside new public spaces, community facilities, local commercial uses and enhanced infrastructure.

Subject to the necessary approvals, development works are anticipated to begin in 2028.

The council says the Central Housing Regeneration Area project is intended to act as a catalyst for wider regeneration across inner Blackpool, “helping to address long-standing housing market challenges while creating a more sustainable and attractive place to live”.

The project is backed by £90.4m of grant funding from Homes England, and is part of a wider 15-year vision to transform housing and communities across inner Blackpool.

It also sits within a programme of investment across the borough, with more than £2bn of public and private sector investment currently being delivered or planned across housing, education, commercial development, leisure and infrastructure.

In a statement the council said it was “inviting experienced development and regeneration partners to provide feedback on the key principles underpinning the intended approach to delivery” ahead of a formal tender in early autumn.

Councillor Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: "People who live in central Blackpool deserve quality housing, nice neighbourhoods and green spaces where they want to raise their children.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a developer to be part of Blackpool's transformation story.

“We are looking for a development partner who shares our ambition to create high-quality homes, attractive public spaces and a thriving community that will improve the lives of local people for decades to come.

“Central Blackpool has enormous potential. This project is about far more than housing. It is about creating a sustainable neighbourhood, tackling long-standing challenges and providing the foundations for future growth and investment.

“The project doesn’t stand alone either. We are bringing new social housing, jobs and community facilities to the central Blackpool area already and are in the middle of a wider £2bn transformation of Blackpool as a place.

“We want to hear from organisations who have the vision, expertise and commitment to join us on this journey to make Blackpool better for the people who live here.”

The council boasts strong track record in housing-led regeneration, pointing to the transformation of Queens Park, the development of new homes at Grange Park and Mereside and the delivery of Foxhall Village in partnership with social housing providers.

The pre-market engagement process will be live until September 11, when potential partners are able to advise on the best method of delivery, before the formal procurement takes place in autumn.

The council says it is seeking a development partner with the requisite skills and track record in large scale regeneration, placemaking, funding and delivery.

A hybrid planning application has already been submitted on behalf of the council and it says it has made “significant progress” in acquiring the land within the development area, with over one third of property interests acquired, exchanged of acquisition terms agreed.

According to reports, the council is preparing to use its compulsory purchase powers to take control of the rest.