'Major milestone' as new Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone road to open amid plans to create 5,000 new jobs

A new access road to the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone is set to open next week, providing a vital route for businesses and residents amid plans to create 5,000 new jobs.

The road, named Vickers Way, will open to traffic on Tuesday, 5 May, offering an alternative route in and out of the growing business park while helping to reduce congestion in the area. The opening of Vickers Way will unlock valuable development land, offering new opportunities for businesses to expand and create jobs.

The road will also feature a shared footpath and cycle lane, making it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists to access the Enterprise Zone. Blackpool Transport will be running a bus service along the new route to further improve accessibility.

‘A major milestone’

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said: “This is a major milestone for Blackpool. We have invested in a new road that eases congestion, supports business growth and will create jobs for local people. It’s all part of this council’s plan to make Blackpool better for the people who live here.

“This is more than just the opening of a new road; we’re unlocking opportunities. By improving connectivity and supporting long‑term economic growth, we’re delivering real benefits for residents through new jobs, skills and investment in the area.

“We are already seeing strong interest from local companies looking to expand on the newly unlocked land, reinforcing the Enterprise Zone’s position as one of the leading business destinations in the North West, and we can expect to see development and new jobs being created very soon.”

Vickers Way will also provide direct access to the Common Edge Community Sports Village, a popular facility that includes 14 grass football pitches, a full-sized floodlit 3G football pitch, and a floodlit rugby pitch. The sports village has seen such high demand since opening in 2023 that plans have already been submitted for additional parking to accommodate visitors.

The new road is part of a wider effort to improve infrastructure in the area, supported by a £7.5m grant from the UK Government through the Blackpool Town Deal, which was awarded in 2022. The funding has enabled the development of key infrastructure projects, with the goal of supporting business growth and job creation.

Allowing people and businesses to thrive

Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said: "The opening of Vickers Way is exactly what this funding is about: opening up opportunity for residents and creating the conditions for people and businesses to thrive.

"From business growth to better connections for cyclists, pedestrians and sports fans, I look forward to seeing the development grow and Blackpool continue to go from strength to strength."

The name "Vickers Way" was chosen by schoolchildren from St Nicholas Church of England Primary School, continuing the area's tradition of naming roads after aviation pioneers. A new residential road, Hallett Avenue, which connects Vickers Way to Oakwood Close, opened earlier this year as part of the same development.

Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone spans both Blackpool and Fylde, supporting over 4,000 jobs across 200 businesses. The Enterprise Zone has ambitious plans to create an additional 5,000 jobs by 2041.

Economic development and prosperity

Charlie Richards, Service Director for Development at Fylde Council, said: "This marks an important milestone in the delivery of the scheme, which will help unlock economic activity at the airport and improve transport connectivity at the Blackpool–Fylde boundary.

“The Council would like to thank partners for their ongoing work in delivering the project and supporting economic development and prosperity across the Fylde Coast."

Blackpool Council, which oversees the Enterprise Zone on behalf of both Blackpool and Fylde councils, is committed to investing £54m in infrastructure improvements over the next 15 years to support business growth.

The opening of Vickers Way is expected to further accelerate the region's economic development, improving accessibility to key business sites and providing new opportunities for local residents.

Prime commercial land either side of Vickers Way is now available, providing space for businesses to grow and create more jobs in the area. Interested businesses can visit www.blackpoolez.com to enquire.