Blackpool Council has formally signed the terms of its £39.5m Town Deal and welcomed a new era of partnership working with the Government. It says that the deal, which will provide a huge boost to the town’s regeneration and post-COVID economic recovery, opens the door for a wider conversation with the Government about future ways to support and revitalise the town.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of the Council, said: “This funding allocation is a very welcome contribution to our ongoing regeneration.
“The deal will help facilitate some key projects but we are hopeful that this is only the start of the journey. We want to open up a wider conversation with Government about ways in which they can help the town to achieve its long-term aspirations.
“Our vision for Blackpool is ambitious but very much achievable if we can secure the right level of support.”
Within the deal, which was secured as part of the Towns Fund programme, Blackpool Council and the newly-established Town Board has proposed a range of projects that will help transform the town.
Paul Smith, Chair of the Board, said: “I would like to thank the Town Board for the immense work that has been done to get us this far. We are committed to working hand in hand with central Government over the coming years to create a brighter future for the town and its residents.
“We are extremely grateful to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for the belief they have showed in our plans to revitalise Blackpool. This is the first step to realising our vision for the area and we look forward to working across Government to tackle other important local issues and place-based funding such as healthcare and education.”
The funding granted will help to deliver a number of the projects that were submitted by the Council for assessment for the Towns Fund. Some of these projects include:
The Council and Town Board will now work with Government to demonstrate the feasibility, viability and value for money of the various projects with the ultimate goal of ensuring all Blackpool residents benefit from the investment. Over the next few months they will work with Government to get the projects shovel-ready for delivery so that work can begin as soon as investment is received.