£40m levelling up investment announced to regenerate Blackpool

Blackpool is the latest town to receive levelling up funding from the government, with a £40 million investment set to drive forward a regeneration project.  

The money will go towards unlocking the Blackpool Central project which had stalled due to a lack of funding available to move the Magistrates and County Courts.  

This risked £300 million of private-sector investment being lost, but now, with the government’s contribution, the courts will be relocated to a spot to be announced soon.  

The Blackpool Central project, the largest single investment in Blackpool for over a century, will also be able to go ahead as planned.  

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: ‘Blackpool is a town full of life, energy, and immense potential but for too long it has been overlooked and its communities undervalued. Our £40 million Levelling Up investment will revitalise this great town by delivering much-needed homes, more jobs and new opportunities for local people.’ 

New entertainment centres, hotels, restaurants will be developed as part of the Blackpool Central project, as well as a new public square and Heritage Quarter.  

It’s hoped the development will convert Blackpool into a year-round leisure destination, create 1,000 new jobs and attract 600,000 more visitors to the town each year.  

This could hugely boost the local economy, which is much needed, as the Indices for Multiple Deprivation in 2019 revealed Blackpool to be the most deprived area out of 317 districts and unitary authorities in England.  

Blackpool Council and the government have been working on strategies to combat this deprivation as of late, with a crackdown on rogue landlords, plans for regeneration and a drive for new homes and jobs.  

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: ‘We are delighted by the support to enable our exciting scheme to go ahead. This is a real example of joined-up Government at its very best with the objectives of the government, Ministry of Justice, Department for Levelling Up, Blackpool Council and the developer Nikal all being met as a result of this welcome action by the Secretary of State. 

‘The funding will enable this huge development in the heart of Blackpool to bring jobs, investment and visitors to our town. When finished, the scheme will be an amazing future-proofed attraction for all to enjoy for many years to come.’  

Photo by Francis Heathcote