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PRESS RELEASE
GONW/008/200817 November 2008
REVIEW OF BLACKPOOL’S REGENERATION PLANS
The results of the latest report into the progress of the Blackpool ResortMasterplan have been announced by Liz Meek, Regional Director of theGovernment Office for the North West.The report, which was commissioned by Communities Secretary HazelBlears, measures progress of the Masterplan against the recommendationsmade by the Blackpool Task Force. Formed in March 2007, the Task Forcewas set up following a request from government to assess the long-termregeneration plans in the town following its failed casino bid.In addition, following the recent appointment of Sir Howard Bernstein aschairman, a strategic review is currently underway into the regenerationMasterplan that is delivered by Urban Regeneration Company (URC),ReBlackpool.ReBlackpool’s aim is to ensure the Masterplan proposals will make Blackpoola better place to live, work and play through physical, social and economicregeneration.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 ResortMasterplan which will look into all activity currently under way. This willset a clear direction for spatial and investment prioritisation for the URCand align a role and function of the housing intervention programme incontributing to comprehensive regeneration in Blackpool.”The Masterplan aims to transform the town through an innovative programmeof regeneration, designed to rebuild the seafront, provide new traminfrastructure and release key town centre and seafront sites for development.Since the first report in July progress has been made on:
Tourism:
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Discussions have taken place between the trustees of the Victoria andAlbert re
 
the creation of a theatre museum in Blackpool.
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£4 million funding was secured from Department for Culture, Mediaand Sport’s Sea Change programme. Delivered through CABE, thefunding will go towards a £14m scheme for the creation of the Tower Festival Headland in the town.
Housing:
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Blackpool has successfully bid with Preston for Housing Growth Pointstatus and the proposals are now being developed.
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Projects in both North and South Beach are currently being looked atby English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation for the NewHomes and Community Agency.
Education:
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Blackpool and Fylde College is looking at a further expansion of theHigher Education provision beyond that currently being delivered.
Worklessness:
 
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A Multi-Area Agreement – contract between central and localgovernment - will focus on reducing the number of benefit claimants inBlackpool.
Transport and Infrastructure:
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Discussions continue with Balfour Beatty – the new owners of Blackpool Airport – about potential investment to provide quality wellpaid jobs at the airport.Bryan Gray, Chairman of the Northwest 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 inprojects which will deliver significant change. A better Blackpoolrequires investment, but also support from all partners to bring abouttangible benefits for residents and to secure Blackpool’s future as atourist destination. I am pleased this report shows that progress isbeing made through partners working together.”Cllr Peter Callow, Leader Blackpool Council said:“The first phase of Hounds Hill Shopping Centre has opened verysuccessfully, exceeding expectations and creating a real buzz in thetown centre. With more interventions we are confident we can establishBlackpool as a real heart of the Fylde Coast and a vibrant town centreaccessed by the whole of Lancashire in addition to our existing tourismeconomy.”Doug Garrett, Chief Executive at ReBlackpool commented:“The strategic review is crucial as we move from planning into thedelivery and implementation stage. As with any long-term plan, it isessential to review activity and our goals to make sure what weplanned to deliver is still feasible and relevant. Sir Howard has aproven record in delivering major regeneration projects and his skills
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