A significant regeneration project that will deliver new leisure
facilities, create jobs, boost tourism, and help level up
Blackpool has been announced by today (11 November 2022) in
his first major intervention since being reappointed as Secretary
of State for Levelling Up.
The ambitious Blackpool Central project had stalled because there
was no funding to move the Magistrates and County Courts
currently situated within the proposed site, and this risked
scuppering the entire £300 million private sector-led
regeneration scheme.
But the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has
today committed £40 million to relocate the courts to a new
state-of-the-art complex in the Blackpool town centre, with the
specific location to be announced in due course.
This will enable the Blackpool Central regeneration scheme to go
ahead as planned, creating an estimated 1,000 jobs. It will also
attract 600,000 more visitors to the seaside town each year in a
massive boost to the local economy.
This is the latest intervention by government, which has been
working with partners, including the local authority, to help
turn the tide on deprivation in Blackpool and provide greater
opportunities for people who live in the town. Previous work
includes cracking down on rogue landlords, finding new
opportunities for regeneration, and delivering new homes and jobs
for the community.
Levelling Up Secretary 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.
Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for
Justice, , said:
The new Magistrates’ and County Court will be modern, efficient,
and help deliver effective justice for local residents. It will
be fitted with the latest courtroom technology to ensure that we
can continue delivering justice in the North West and provide
victims with a better experience.
This wider investment will provide a real boost to the town and
its economy, kickstarting the regeneration that local people have
long been waiting for.
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.
Blackpool Central will be the largest single investment in
Blackpool for over a century. It will see the area transformed
into a year-round leisure destination, home to new entertainment
centres, hotels, restaurants and a new public square and Heritage
Quarter.
This announcement comes as the UK government is set to host the
38th British-Irish Council Summit in Blackpool today, inviting
representatives from the Irish Government, devolved
administrations and crown dependencies to discuss matters of
shared importance.
