Blackpool Town Deal bid reveals £500m vision - including new university campus

Funds would be used to relocate the magistrates’ courts for the £300m Central Station leisure development, put in new roads around the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and for much needed investment into the Illuminations.

But that could only be the start – with the town setting out a further wish list to government for £500m to tackle some of the even more deep-rooted causes of deprivation.

Ambitions include to create a civil service hub in the town centre and invest in a new university centre – both of which would be part of the fourth phase of the Talbot Gateway.

The submissions come on top of a bid lodged last month for £25m from the government’s Future High Streets Fund which saw the town secure £8.3m in advanced funding this week.

Of that, £5m will be used to start the £20m second phase of the Houndshill shopping centre and £3.6m to transform the Abingdon Street Market, with work beginning in the autumn.

Paul Smith, chairman of the Town Deal Board, said: “Investment in our town is needed more than ever as we move to the next stage of the economic recovery from Covid-19.

“The Town Deal funding will play an important part in the kick-starting of our economic recovery, bringing forward key projects that will help the growth of the town in both the short and long term.

“The Town Deal Board welcomes the opportunity to develop a long-term strategic partnership with Government that will further develop the economy, tackling some of Blackpool’s historical challenges, leading to a healthier and happier lifestyle for all residents and reduced pressure on the public purse.”

The resort is one of 101 UK towns bidding for a share of the £3.6bn Towns Fund aimed at supporting economic growth through improved transport and internet connectivity, skills and culture.

Residents were given chance to have their say on the proposals with 30,000 people being reached through an online survey, and more than 1,100 comments made.

Individual projects included in the £50m bid include:

* The relocation of the courts from Blackpool Central to the site of the former Devonshire Road Hospital to release land for the latter phases of the £300m Central leisure development.

* A scheme to upgrade and modernise the illuminations by bringing a new ‘wow factor’ to the display.

* Delivery of new road and access improvements at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone including improved access from Common Edge Road.

* Development of new digital technology to help retail, leisure and transport.

* Provision of a Youth Hub to help young unemployed people get into work.

* A town centre-based development to help start-ups and small businesses.

Alongside the request for £50m from the Towns Fund, a series of further ‘asks’ have been outlined to government to further develop the economy and tackle some of worst deprivation. This includes –

* A civil service hub in the town centre, believed to be the site of the former St John’s Market and sites off King Street, with the council already buying up property in readiness.

* Build a new university campus in the town centre, which is expected to be within the Talbot Gateway. This would be in conjunction with Blackpool and the Fylde College and would see existing sites in Bispham and Park Road brought into the town centre.

* Support the potential of Blackpool’s high speed fibre connection to the North Atlantic Loop.

* Extend the Opportunity Area programme and funding until 2030, which is aimed at giving children equal chances through education.

* Extend the enterprise zone fiscal benefits until 2026.

* Invest in and support the Fylde Coast Tram Loop to link towns across all three Fylde coast boroughs using light rail.

* Pilot intensive neighbourhood schemes in certain Blackpool wards and work with the town to rebuild the economy, reduce unemployment and tackle mental health following the Covid-19 crisis.

The Town Investment Plan also aims to stimulate more private investment use funding from other sources such as the Future High Streets Fund, the Government’s Opportunity Area Programme, Homes England, the Affordable Housing Programme, the Arts Council and the Lottery.

Blackpool is also in line for an immediate grant of £1m to fund capital projects that can be delivered this financial year.

The bid will now be appraised by the Government which is expected to take until the end of September.

If it gets the go ahead, businesses cases for each scheme will be compiled over the following 12 months to secure the funding and get on with development.

Blackpool Council leader Coun Lynn Williams said public feedback had played a key part in putting the bid together.

She said: “The online survey has allowed us to reach more members of the local community than we would otherwise been able to do.

“The input has been considered and thoughtful, and is vital in helping us create a plan for the future of Blackpool, so thank you to all who took part.”