Framework sets out more detail of £90m Blackpool housing investment

Images depicting a bold vision for the rejuvenation of Blackpool’s deprived inner areas have emerged, setting out hopes of replacing rundown streets with modern housing, shops and green spaces.

The latest plans for regeneration of the Revoe and Bloomfield neighbourhoods focus on Central Drive, Chapel Street and parts of the Promenade.

A 32-page document setting out the Blackpool Central Housing Regeneration Area Framework predicts “Central Drive will become a vibrant, diverse and sustainable local centre”.

It adds development to create new community and retail units will “set the standard for exemplar design while meeting the needs of the local residents and visitors.”

The report, published by Blackpool Council last November in partnership with organisations including Homes England, presents an extensive set of plans to regenerate what is one of the town’s poorest areas.

Life expectancy for men in Bloomfield ward is 67, which is 11 years lower than the national average, while high levels of transience mean as few as 43 per cent of children in the inner area complete primary education within the same school they started, compared to a national average of 74 per cent.

Recent work by the council’s housing enforcement team found around three quarters of home inspected did not meet the Decent Homes Standard.

Blackpool has received £90m of government funding towards a 15 to 20-year comprehensive housing regeneration project, with the first phase set to focus on terraced streets off Central Drive.

Parts of Ashton Road, Central Drive, Chadwick Street, Erdington Road, Grasmere Road, Harrison Street, Kent Road, Montrose Avenue, Princess Street, Rigby Road, Rydal Avenue and Salthouse Avenue will be the first area for redevelopment.

Other proposals set out in the framework include –

The Promenade and Chapel Street will receive new contemporary high quality developments focussed on tourism and recreation.

These include new three to five storey developments with ground floor retail, food and beverage, and recreational uses and purpose-built residential and holiday accommodation on the upper floors.

A continuous active frontage along the Promenade and Chapel Street.

Increasing green infrastructure and biodiversity in the Framework Area is a key aspiration. New street trees, front gardens and planted SuDS (sustainable urban drainage systems) features will create a network of green spaces.

Public realm to reflect the new wide promenade treatment and reduced vehicle priority

Regeneration chiefs hope improving the quality of housing in inner Blackpool will also boost private investment.

The report warns the “perception of Blackpool’s housing discourages investors from delivering new homes” which in turn puts off new workers and hampers economic growth.

The report adds: “Private sector investment will only be unlocked if the public sector provides a strong vision, seeks to tackle existing issues and creates

development sites for the public and private sector to work together to deliver new development – as has happened in the town centre.

“The announcement of £90.4m of capital investment will enable the council to lead on the regeneration and investment at scale in order to start the reversal of poor quality housing and its impact on social outcomes.”