Gazette readers called on to have a say on how £40m Town Deal should be spent

The Town Deal money, given as part of a £3.6bn scheme, will be “transformational” and a “once in a generation, major investment”, council boss Lynn Williams said.

There are plans to extend the Illuminations season and improve the Lights, build a ‘green’ university centre in the town centre, and regenerate the Revoe area, which is one of Blackpool’s most deprived neighbourhoods.

Resort chiefs promised to listen to residents’ opinions but currently, subject to a public consultation, the cash is earmarked to be spent on the following projects:

1. ‘Blackpool Central’ (£8m) – moving the magistrates’ and civil court to create a “new world-class, year-round visitor attraction” as previously announced;

2. ‘Multiversity’ (£9m) – moving Blackpool and The Fylde College’s campus in Palatine Road, central Blackpool, to a “carbon neutral university centre” in the town centre, “improving education and revitalising Blackpool”;

3. ‘Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone’ (£7.5m) – building a new road to develop the area, attract jobs, and investment in the constantly-evolving estate;

4. ‘Southern Quarter/Revoe Community Sports Village’ (£5.5m) – Overhauling the Revoe area of central Blackpool, including building new sports pitches and community facilities;

5. ‘The Edge’ (£4.5m) – Developing a town centre building to create “modern office space for new start-ups and growing businesses”;

6. ‘Blackpool Illuminations’ (£4.5m) – Upgrading the Lights to attract new visitors, including introducing new features and “letting them shine for longer every year”;

7. ‘Youth Hub’ (£500,000) – developing a “virtual and physical space to help our young people into training and work”.

Coun Williams said: “The Town Deal award of £39.5m is transformational for Blackpool, a once in a generation, major investment for our town, to tackle some of the challenges we face, to build on our strengths and to help us in our economic recovery from the damaging effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is important that as many people as possible, whether they live and work here or just like to visit, get a chance to have their say on how Blackpool should look in the future.

“Once again, the people of Blackpool have the opportunity to shape our plans for the town.”

Paul Smith, chairman of the Blackpool Town Deal Board, said: “I would urge people to take this opportunity to help influence the future development of the town. The Town Deal is a

vital element of the town’s regeneration and recovery plans and the seven projects identified have the potential to make a real difference to our economic future.”

Have your say from 12 noon on 22 nd February at https://blackpooltownsfund.commonplace.isBlackpool Gazette: Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here