Project Update: Shops and a community farm set to transform estate centre

Work will start next month to redevelop the City Learning Centre (CLC) in order to make better use of the building.'¨
Blackpool City Learning CentreBlackpool City Learning Centre
Blackpool City Learning Centre

This includes moving shops into the premises, with the handover to retailers expected to take place from September onwards.
Currently there are confirmations of space being allocated to a One-Stop Shop and pharmacy .
There are also plans for a community farm at the back of the CLC, which would be a joint project between the council and Groundwork.

Blackpool Council has agreed to borrow nearly £860,000 towards the project.
The funding would be borrowed over 25 years with the loan paid back from rental income.

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Currently the centre offers educational resources, houses Boundary Library, and there is also a cafe and meeting rooms for hire.

The work is linked to wider potential development on the Grange Park estate. 
The demolition of Chepstow Road shops and the Cherwell Centre would create a 10-acre development site.

Park ward councillor Maria Kirkland said: “Numerous consultations have taken place between Groundwork and local residents with an agreed move of the community farm to the back of the CLC. 
“The idea is that produce can be grown and sold with the encouragement of a healthy eating agenda. 
“The community shop is still undergoing consultation with the public and businesses and will benefit the community by selling products which can be bought in bulk and which are value for money.
“The development of the CLC is part of a wider development of the local area with demolitions taking place and housing developments being discussed.”

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