Blackpool Council seeks developer for £90M 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to transform Central Drive

Council bosses are seeking a development partner to help bring forward a £90m 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' housing-led regeneration project in central Blackpool.

An early market engagement exercise has been launched to find a developer that can restore the resort’s Central Drive back to its heyday and support local people into better housing.

Backed by £90.4m of grant funding from Homes England, the project is part of a wider 15-year vision to transform housing and communities across inner Blackpool.

As part of the plans, a 13.3-acre site close to Blackpool town centre will be redeveloped, creating up to 230 new energy-efficient homes for local people, alongside new public spaces, community facilities, local commercial uses and enhanced infrastructure.

The proposals have so far proved controversial with Revoe residents as it involves the demolition of 300 densely populated properties and requires the relocation of residents.

Some are furious and say they would rather their houses were renovated instead of being bulldozed. Many are concerned about losing out financially, especially if they cannot afford to buy another house, and worried about where they will go.

But council bosses said the plans will support wider ambitions to make Central Drive better, including bringing international investors to create a new large leisure scheme to create local jobs, building more social housing at Foxhall Village, a new community sports village at Blackpool Football Club and improvements to Revoe Park.

Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: "People who live in central Blackpool deserve quality housing, nice neighbourhoods and green spaces where they want to raise their children.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a developer to be part of Blackpool's transformation story. We are looking for a development partner who shares our ambition to create high-quality homes, attractive public spaces and a thriving community that will improve the lives of local people for decades to come."

Subject to the necessary approvals, development works are anticipated to begin in 2028.

The council is inviting experienced development and regeneration partners to provide feedback on the key principles underpinning the intended approach to delivery ahead of a formal tender in early autumn.

The preliminary market engagement process will be live until September 11.

Cllr Williams said: "Central Blackpool has enormous potential. This project is about far more than housing.

“It is about creating a sustainable neighbourhood, tackling long-standing challenges and providing the foundations for future growth and investment. The project doesn’t stand alone either. We are bringing new social housing, jobs and community facilities to the central Blackpool area already and are in the middle of a wider £2bn transformation of Blackpool as a place."

The council has submitted a hybrid planning application seeking full planning permission to demolish up to 300 existing properties. It is expected to go before the planning committee for approval in the Autumn. Of the properties earmarked for demolition, some are already empty, while more than 70% of owners in the area have asked for an offer and more than 100 have agreed to sell their property already.

Of the people who have moved house, many have been supported to find a more suitable place to live, while staying in the local area.

Social housing is available for Blackpool residents with a local connection to Blackpool, either from living on the Fylde coast for more than three years, working here or having family in the area. In total, the application aims to create more than 1,000 bed spaces for local residents. This would add to the 88 new social housing properties currently nearing completion at Foxhall Village and the 200 new social homes built in the area in the last ten years.

Council bosses said the increase in social housing in the area is expected to start rebalancing the local housing market and offer better choice for families, workers and older residents. The plans allow for affordable housing, specialist accommodation and well‑managed rented homes.

The proposals form the first phase of the wider Blackpool Central Housing Regeneration Area Framework, which was most recently consulted on with the public in March 2026. The framework sets out a long‑term ambition to improve housing and the environment across inner Blackpool over the next 15 years. While there are currently no approved plans or funding for further phases, the council remains committed to regenerating central Blackpool as opportunities arise.

The scheme benefits from £90.4 million of government funding, secured in March 2024 through Homes England, enabling the council to intervene at a scale that would not otherwise be possible.

The plans have been shaped by extensive pre‑application engagement with planning officers, technical consultees and key stakeholders, alongside wide‑ranging public consultation carried out since August 2024. A full Environmental Impact Assessment accompanies the application.

If approved, demolition work would begin in phases, with new homes and public spaces delivered over several years. Detailed designs for buildings, streets and green spaces will be brought forward through future reserved matters applications, providing further opportunities for public engagement.

For more information or to give feedback on the application visit Blackpool Council’s website here.