19 November 2008

Review of Blackpool's regeneration plans

The results of the latest report into the progress of the Blackpool Resort Masterplan have been announced by Liz Meek, Regional Director of the Government Office for the North West.

The report, which was commissioned by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears, measures progress of the Masterplan against the recommendations made by the Blackpool Task Force. Formed in March 2007, the Task Force was set up following a request from government to assess the long-term regeneration plans in the town following its failed casino bid.

In addition, following the recent appointment of Sir Howard Bernstein as chairman, a strategic review is currently underway into the regeneration Masterplan that is delivered by Urban Regeneration Company (URC), ReBlackpool.

ReBlackpool’s aim is to ensure the Masterplan proposals will make Blackpool a better place to live, work and play through physical, social and economic regeneration.

Details of the strategic review are included in the report by Liz Meek.

Liz Meek said:
 
“Sir Howard has instigated a strategic review of the Blackpool Resort Masterplan which will look into all activity currently under way.  This will set a clear direction for spatial and investment prioritisation for the URC and align a role and function of the housing intervention programme in contributing to comprehensive regeneration in Blackpool.”

The Masterplan aims to transform the town through an innovative programme of regeneration, designed to rebuild the seafront, provide new tram infrastructure and release key town centre and seafront sites for development. 

Since the first report in July progress has been made on:

Tourism:
• Discussions have taken place between the trustees of the Victoria and Albert re the creation of a theatre museum in Blackpool.
• £4 million funding was secured from Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Sea Change programme. Delivered through CABE, the funding will go towards a £14m scheme for the creation of the Tower Festival Headland in the town.

Housing:
• Blackpool has successfully bid with Preston for Housing Growth Point status and the proposals are now being developed.

• Projects in both North and South Beach are currently being looked at by English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation for the New Homes and Community Agency.

Education:

• Blackpool and Fylde College is looking at a further expansion of the Higher Education provision beyond that currently being delivered.

Worklessness:

• A Multi-Area Agreement – contract between central and local government - will focus on reducing the number of benefit claimants in Blackpool.

Transport and Infrastructure:

• Discussions continue with Balfour Beatty – the new owners of Blackpool Airport – about potential investment to provide quality well paid jobs at the airport.

Bryan Gray, Chairman of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, said:

“The NWDA is committed to the economic and social regeneration of Blackpool and as a key partner of ReBlackpool will continue to invest in projects which will deliver significant change. A better Blackpool requires investment, but also support from all partners to bring about tangible benefits for residents and to secure Blackpool’s future as a tourist destination. I am pleased this report shows that progress is being made through partners working together.”

Cllr Peter Callow, Leader Blackpool Council said:

“The first phase of Hounds Hill Shopping Centre has opened very successfully, exceeding expectations and creating a real buzz in the town centre. With more interventions we are confident we can establish Blackpool as a real heart of the Fylde Coast and a vibrant town centre accessed by the whole of Lancashire in addition to our existing tourism economy.”

Doug Garrett, Chief Executive at ReBlackpool commented:

“The strategic review is crucial as we move from planning into the delivery and implementation stage. As with any long-term plan, it is essential to review activity and our goals to make sure what we planned to deliver is still feasible and relevant. Sir Howard has a proven record in delivering major regeneration projects and his skills and experience will now be used to lead and push forward development in Blackpool.”

Note to Editors

1. Blackpool Task Force was formed in March 2007 following a request from Government to look into long-term regeneration plans. This is the second in a series of progress reports on the regeneration of Blackpool following its failed casino bid.

2. The report, by Liz Meek, Regional Director of the Government Office for the North West, was commissioned by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears to measure progress against the recommendations of the Blackpool Task Force published last year.

3. The Task Force is chaired by Bryan Gray, Chair of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and includes representatives from the Government Office for the North West, Blackpool Council, ReBlackpool and national regeneration agency English Partnerships.

4. Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, Sir Howard Bernstein was appointed chair of ReBlackpool in July 2008.

5. ReBlackpool, Blackpool’s Urban Regeneration Company, is the body charged with delivering the Masterplan proposals that will transform the UK’s premier coastal resort over the next ten years.  ReBlackpool works closely with the NWDA and Blackpool Council.

6. Key initiatives include :
• Government Office for the North West working with partners including the NWDA to broaden Blackpool’s appeal to a wider range of visitors.
• Government investment of £35 million through English Partnerships to be delivered by ReBlackpool. Consideration is being given to regenerating the seafront through a variety of developments including hotel, residential, commercial and retail.
• ReBlackpool’s blueprint for the creation of a new business district is forging ahead through the £220 million Talbot Business District Development.
• Blackpool and Fylde College is planning £90 million relocation to the town centre.
• The NWDA, through ReBlackpool, and the Higher Education Funding Council are funding a £10 million development of higher education with Blackpool and Fylde College

For further information: Clive Naish, Regional Information Officer
    Tel: 0161 952 4517

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