New plans submitted for next stage of Blackpool enterprise zone development

Revised plans have been submitted which will add business units, a local hub and gateway access to Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone’s Phase One development.

The plans have been submitted on behalf of the Enterprise Zone with Blackpool Council, working in conjunction with the two planning approvals already granted for new grass pitches and new sports facilities.

Phase One is the first phase of Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, with £28.8m allocated for the redevelopment of the 144-hectare site.

The updated proposals, submitted by Preston-based Cassidy + Ashton, seek permission to redevelop the original playing fields for commercial development. Covering an area of approximately 13.55 hectares, it includes plans for 8.97 hectares of office and industrial floorspace for employment use and a local hub comprising of a day nursery, retail outlets and a café.

The new grass pitches, relocated south of the area are now in use, with the new sports facilities, including changing facilities and a spectator pavilion and reconfigured car parking due to be completed for the start of the 2022-23 season.

A new access road is outlined in the plans, linking Amy Johnson Way on the existing business park to provide access from Common Edge Road. The updated plans also incorporate ancillary elements including an electric vehicle charging hub, junction and highway improvement works, drainage works, car parking and an electricity substation.

Coun Mark Smith, cabinet member for business enterprise and job creation, said: "The build out of the eastern gateway development land at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone is crucial to ongoing economic regeneration of the area and will bring with it countless benefits including new sustainable, long term, skilled employment, new services for the community and opportunities for local businesses to continue their growth close to home and their workforce.”

An original application which covered plans for the entire development of Phase One at the Enterprise Zone's eastern gateway was withdrawn to focus on three individual strands. 

Claire Parker, senior planning consultant at Cassidy + Ashton, said: "By approaching the plans for this phase of development in three stages, the local community continues to have access to sporting and recreational facilities throughout the development. This application will serve to support the long-term vision for the Zone’s eastern gateway and in doing so will not only provide improved commercial and leisure facilities, it also offers considerable economic benefits to the entire borough."