'Transatlantic digital hub' - Blackpool primed for 14k new jobs and £14bn boost from Silicon Sands project
Technical innovators have said Blackpool’s Silicon Sands project is a centre of digital innovation.
Blackpool is poised to become a ‘new hub of digital innovation’ according to a group of businessmen and women in the tech sector. And Silicon Sands - a digital campus based at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone - has been named as the epicentre of the resort’s digital success story, says the UK Tech Cluster Group (UKTCG).
The group describes itself as a national network of organisations dedicated to growing and supporting the tech industry across the UK. And, in their latest report, Silicon Sands has been singled out for praise as being ‘at the heart’ of Fylde’s digital reinvention.
They say the development is estimated to help deliver 14,000 new jobs to the Fylde Coast and deliver up to £14bn added value to the town. The project is part of UKTCG’s Regional Tech Booster (RTB) programme, funded from government cash and supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Shaun Fensom, secretary at Cooperative Network Infrastructure, said: “The Silicon Sands Catalyst Pilot has demonstrated that Blackpool already possesses many of the assets needed to support a thriving digital economy.
“What has been particularly encouraging is the willingness of organisations from very different sectors to come together around a shared vision for innovation, sustainability and growth. The conversations and connections established through this programme have created a strong foundation on which the wider Silicon Sands initiative can now build.”
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One of the strongest themes which emerged from the programme was growing recognition that Blackpool already has many of the ingredients required to support a future-focused digital economy.
Through a series of workshops, roundtables, the FutureTech Live conference and direct engagement activity, businesses began identifying opportunities linked to AI adoption, digital infrastructure, connectivity, sustainability and high-performance computing.
“The programme established a foundation that will now continue developing beyond the pilot phase and will now contribute toward the wider Silicon Sands vision for Blackpool.”