Fylde Council hails 'game-changing' impact of £857,000 cash injection from UK Shared Prosperity Fund

More than £857,000 of government funding has been invested across Fylde over the past year.

With the money used to support town centre improvements, local businesses and employment programmes, Fylde Council says the £857,692 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation for 2025/26 has helped deliver major regeneration projects, boost visitor numbers and provide skills and employment support for residents across the borough.

The funding was focused on three main areas: communities and place, support for local businesses, and people and skills. Among the most visible projects were three phases of the St Annes Masterplan, including improvements to St Annes Square, Pier Link and Garden Street

The programme also supported a series of events designed to attract visitors, while the Shop Local loyalty scheme encouraged spending with independent retailers across Fylde.

Investment in people and skills formed another key part of the programme. Partnerships with AFC Fylde Community Foundation and Blackpool & Fylde College delivered support for residents facing barriers to employment, while Fylde Council’s apprenticeship programme helped young people develop careers on the Fylde coast.

The Small Business Academy also provided free expert guidance for entrepreneurs and small firms looking to grow.

‘A genuine game-changer’

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “The UKSPF programme has been a genuine game-changer for Fylde. We have seen communities come together, businesses grow stronger and residents transform their futures; and every single one of those achievements is something we should be enormously proud of.

“This investment has made a real, lasting difference to people’s lives across our borough, and I want to thank every partner, business and resident who played a part in making it such a success.

“Although the UKSPF programme has now ended, our commitment to supporting Fylde’s businesses and people absolutely has not. Through Invest in Fylde, we are continuing to make sure that anyone who wants to start a business, grow their enterprise or find their next opportunity in this wonderful borough knows exactly where to turn to for help.”

Although the UKSPF programme has now concluded, Fylde Council says support remains available through Invest in Fylde, its economic growth service offering advice on business planning, funding opportunities, premises and workforce development.

Fylde employers can also access support through Connect to Work, a free voluntary scheme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. The programme aims to help people overcome barriers to employment while giving businesses access to job-ready candidates and support with staff retention and wellbeing.