Blackpool

The “Our Blackpool” Coastal Communities Team, originally launched in March 2015. The CCT has taken a range of forms, but as of August 2018, now resides under the remit of Blackpool BID (Business Improvement District).  It comprises a mix of public, private and community groups with a focus upon the town centre, but some activity may stretch coverage into the wider Blackpool area.

The overarching 6 priority objectives of the CCT can be outlined as:

• Priority Theme 1 : Increase Footfall, vibrancy and economic growth

To work together and alongside other groups across the town, to generate a footfall  increase  in Blackpool, by helping to develop initiatives that capitalise upon Blackpool’s strong cultural, leisure and retail offer. The focus of this will be through supporting the development and delivery of events and marketing initiatives across the town.

• Priority Theme 2 – Improved accessibility

 Work to create a town centre that is easy to access and navigate

• Priority Theme  3– Cleaner environment

 Undertake activity to make the town centre cleaner and more inviting

• Priority Theme  4– Safe and Secure

Activity to make the town centre both safer in the day and at night

• Priority Theme  5 – Collective Voice

Provide a continued powerful voice for 600+ businesses in the town centre

• Priority Theme 6 : To undertake project development and bid development activity

The CCT will provide advice and approvals to others undertaking bid submissions as appropriate (e.g. CCF & CRF applications.)

The CCT, has supported the development of a number of successful CCF and CRF bid submissions. For example the CCF “LightPool” scheme which delivered a major impact on the visitor economy offer and supported the retail sector. See the following link. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-lancashire-33641666/blackpool-illuminations-to-feature-new-vegas-lightshow

In April 2017, Blackpool Council and Blackpool CCT, were successful in securing funding from the CCF towards the cost of a new £25m Conference Centre in the Iconic Winter Gardens.  The below images show an architects illustration of how the final scheme will look when complete (June 19).  The new centre will help the town re-establish its presence as a leading conference destination.

In September 2018, £985,000 of CCF monies was secured for the “Access Fylde Coast” partnership project which will deliver a major transformation of the overarching welcome offer, product range and experience of the Fylde Coast to visitors and local people with disabilities/accessibility issues.

Key Contacts

: – Robert Latham, Project Development & Funding Manager, robert.latham@blackpool.gov.uk   Tel :01253 478917 , Mob : 07796 994752

:- Melissa Thorpe, Project Support Officer, Melissa.thorpe@blackpool.gov.uk, Tel : 01253 478921