01 August 2008
Blackpool dances its way to the top
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced
that Blackpool Council has been awarded £4million of funding
towards an £11m scheme for the creation of the Tower Festival
Headland through its Sea Change programme. The programme will see
£45 million invested in the UK’s seaside resorts over the next
three years.
The Tower Festival Headland is situated to the front of
Blackpool Tower, between the North and Central Piers. A culture-led
project, it will provide a new outdoor performance and events space
capable of accommodating up to 20,000 spectators. This scheme is an
important first step in the town’s ambitions to develop a
contemporary seafront that is extraordinary and will meet the
rising aspirations of leisure seekers.
Blackpool has ambitions to become the UK’s ‘capital of dance’.
The new zone will play a key part in helping the town realise this
and fundamentally support the regeneration efforts, helping to
increase visitor numbers and attract back lapsed visitors.
Cllr Maxine Callow, Cabinet Member of Tourism and Regeneration,
said: “Today is a crucial day in Blackpool’s future and takes us
one step closer to realising our dream of becoming an innovative,
inspirational and world renowned destination.
“It is brilliant to know that Government share our vision and
have provided vital funding for this scheme.
“The Tower Headland will provide something we have never had in
Blackpool before.
We are currently in position that we cannot hold some major events
and performances as we don’t have appropriate outdoor space
available.
“Not only will the headland play host to the biggest events
Blackpool has ever seen it will also provide a fantastic
opportunity for community groups and schools to put on smaller
performances.”
This project, which will be made possible through a partnership
between Blackpool Council, ReBlackpool, Defra and the Northwest
Regional Development Agency (NWDA), will transform Blackpool’s
central seafront into a year round urban park that will entertain
both visitors and residents through dance, theatre, music and
comedy. It will be supported by a £5.4m programme of signature
events funded by the NWDA, Blackpool Council and private
sponsors.
Sir Howard Bernstein, newly appointed chairman of ReBlackpool
commented; “We are extremely pleased to have been granted this
funding by the DCMS which will be invested in the reinvention of
the Tower Festival Headland area of Blackpool’s seafront. We are
dedicated to making Blackpool a better place to live, work and
play, through physical, social and economic regeneration and this
is another step forward in the transformation of the town. We are
determined that this first step and will lead to further investment
by both private and public sectors.”
The development of the new central seafront is a fundamental
component of the regeneration Masterplan and ReBlackpool’s
2006/2009 investment plan which will see over £78m invested in the
building of new sea walls, promenade and the creation of headlands.
It is supported by the £88m invested in the ongoing refurbishment
of the tramway which runs along the seafront.
“The Tower Festival Headland will embrace the town’s heartland
and raison d’etre, creating a festival and events zone that aims to
generate excitement for both residents and visitors. An essential
part of the town’s regeneration masterplan, the investment will not
only provide a new entertainment zone, it will provide new
commercial and employment opportunities for businesses and
residents of the town.” Sir Howard adds.
Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional
Development Agency (NWDA), said: “Confirmation of this investment
is great news for Blackpool and for the region. The resort has some
exciting plans that will make the most of this culture-led approach
to regeneration, playing on its expanding events programme and a
growing reputation for dance. The new performance space and
improved streetscape will complement work already being undertaken
on Blackpool’s promenade and will create a vibrant public realm
that will benefit residents and visitors.”
-ENDS-
Note to Editors
ReBlackpool, Blackpool’s Urban Regeneration Company, is the body
set up by Blackpool Council and the Northwest Regional Development
Agency, to deliver the master plan proposals that will transform
the UK’s premier coastal resort over the next ten years. The
master plan has been developed to bring about radical economic and
social regeneration; transforming Blackpool into a high quality and
contemporary visitor destination that is a great place to visit and
a better place to live.
Working closely with the Northwest Regional Development Agency
and Blackpool Council, ReBlackpool’s vision is to create a
year-round economy that delivers a totality of experience focused
around quality at all levels and at all scales in product,
environment and service. The imperative is to secure private
investment and deliver a range of exciting and contemporary
facilities that responds to the dynamics of the leisure market,
while delivering unparalleled economic and social improvements to
the residents of Blackpool.
The Masterplan aims to transform the town through an innovative
programme of regeneration, designed to rebuild the seafront,
provide new tram infrastructure, release key town centre and
seafront sites for private investment. .
Issued by Blackpool Council and Weber Shandwick on behalf of
ReBlackpool. For further information, please contact:
Jenny Bollington
Blackpool Council
Municipal Buildings
Corporation Street
Blackpool
FY11AD
jenny.bollington@blackpool.gov.uk
Tel: 01253 477192
Hannah Roberts/Tearmh France
Weber Shandwick
2 Jordan Street
Knott Mill
Manchester
M15 4PY
hroberts@webershandwick.com
tfrance@webershandwick.com
Tel: 0161 238 9405/9410