Creating a welcoming, safer seafront
Objective
Within the designated seafront Pleasure Park to create a safe, clean and continuously improving environment that is welcoming and pride filled
Scheme
Central seafront area to be improved in terms of the quality of the transport, entertainment, food and beverage, shops and accommodation to raise the whole visitor experience. This will be achieved by introducing and enforcing common quality standards and practices through the Quality Management Partnership. The partnership will employ a team of full time seafront park supervisors who will be on hand to help the visiting public, maintain the area and in enforcing behaviour standards. Finance sought from public sector for first five years.
Why act?
Regeneration will only come about if Blackpool succeeds in widening its market appeal, and attracting new market investment. An essential component in the strategy to build investor confidence in the resort, grow visitor numbers and widen its appeal is to manage the main resort area. This project has already been started by a partnership of private business and the public sector. The initiative is seen as a precursor to a formal Business Investment District Scheme.
Partners
Seafront Quality Management Initiative (management board of private businesses) in partnership with Blackpool Council
Knock-on effect
It will place the standards provided by individual businesses and the town as a whole on a different plane. This will be done by introducing improved business management, leadership and entrepenurial skills and ensuring standards are not only maintained, but also enhanced.
Other benefits
The establishment of a Quality Management Partnership will lead to the creation of 40 jobs. These employees will be recruited from communities in need and help Blackpool create year round full-time male employment.
Increased visitor numbers and broader visitor base with knock-on effects throughout Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.
Results
Increased visitor numbers and broader visitor base with knock-on effects throughout Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.
Regional view
Poor management and maintenance is a major obstacle to town centres and resorts competing successfully with private shopping and leisure developments. This new public/private initiative and stewardship scheme will ensure that Blackpool begins to approach the standards of environmental quality, service and security found at the likes of the Trafford Centre and Alton Towers.
The Quality Management Initiative will help safeguard jobs and create new employment by playing a key role in addressing deficiencies which have contributed to the decline in visitor numbers.
While severely diminished in quality, the importance of the promenade, seafront and beach as a cultural and environmental asset to the region and UK as a whole cannot be overstated. Investment in its renewal and positive management must be a high regional priority.
Environment
Project area: 73 hectares
Current land use: tourism, leisure and other commercial uses, promenade and piers
Potential land use: remodelled promenade
Impact: seafront hosts will enforce behavioural standards to help increase the sense of safety and security for visitors; improvement in standards and quality will create an environment where cultural heritage can be enjoyed and broader visitor base with knock-on effects throughout Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.
