Blackpool Council offering extra support to those displaced by £90M regeneration of Blackpool's Central Drive

Council bosses are refining their existing support measures for residents, businesses and property owners affected by the central housing regeneration project as work continues to transform the area around Blackpool’s Central Drive.

A report due to be considered by the Shareholder Committee on September 23 outlines progress on the project and seeks approval for refinements to an existing suite of relocation support documents designed to help people move successfully from the regeneration area where needed.

The central housing regeneration project is part of Blackpool's wider ambition to improve housing quality and life chances for residents living in the town's inner area. The project is supported by £90.4 million of funding secured through Homes England and aims to create high-quality homes and new public spaces.

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.

The Shareholder Committee report highlights progress in assembling land for future redevelopment. To date, the council has acquired 56 properties, exchanged contracts on a further six, and has another 99 purchases either agreed or progressing through the legal process. Engagement with property owners has been ongoing since March 2025, with contact made with around 97 per cent of identified legal interests in the project area.

A significant level of support is already being provided to those in the area. As the project progresses the council is now looking to refine and formalise the package of support that will help residents and businesses navigate relocation. This includes a council commitments framework, fee policies and guidance for landowners, a resident relocation statement, additional discretionary support for owner occupiers, a commercial relocation statement and an equality impact report.

If approved, the policies and guidelines will be available on the project webpage www.blackpool.gov.uk/housingregen. Hard copies will also be available from the engagement team if required.

The additional support has been developed following extensive engagement and analysis, which identified that some residents may face particular barriers when trying to relocate. The proposed measures are intended to ensure people receive fair, practical and personalised assistance throughout the process.

Cllr Dave Flanagan, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "We are committed to delivering transformational change in central Blackpool and creating better quality homes and neighbourhoods for current and future generations.

"At the same time, we recognise that regeneration can be a significant change for people who live and work in the area. These proposals are about providing clear information, practical help and additional support where needed to ensure residents, businesses and property owners are treated fairly and respectfully throughout the process."

The report also notes that a hybrid planning application for the regeneration scheme was submitted and validated in June 2026, while preliminary market engagement is underway to identify an experienced delivery partner to work alongside the council on future redevelopment.

Residents can continue to access support through the project's dedicated engagement team, which is based at Ibbison Court community centre and provides drop-in sessions and individual support for households affected by the project. The engagement team to date has recorded more than 2,470 contacts with households in the area and has engaged approximately 90 per cent of households.