Blackpool Council is seeking a development partner to help deliver a major housing-led regeneration scheme in the town.
The Central Drive project is backed by £90.4m of grant funding from Homes England and is part of a wider 15-year vision to transform housing and communities across inner Blackpool.
The project will see a 5.41-hectare site close to Blackpool town centre, redeveloped to provide up to 230 new energy efficient homes for local people, alongside new public spaces, community facilities, local commercial uses and enhanced infrastructure.
The council has made significant progress in acquiring the land within the development area, with more than one third of property interests either acquired, exchanged or acquisition terms have been agreed. Subject to approvals, development works are anticipated to begin in 2028.
Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “People who live in central Blackpool deserve quality housing, nice neighbourhoods and green spaces where they want to raise their children. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a developer to be part of Blackpool’s transformation story. We are looking for a development partner who shares our ambition to create high quality homes, attractive public spaces and a thriving community that will improve the lives of local people for decades to come.
“Central Blackpool has enormous potential. This project is about far more than housing. It is about creating a sustainable neighbourhood, tackling long-standing challenges and providing the foundations for future growth and investment. The project doesn’t stand alone either. We are bringing new social housing, jobs and community facilities to the central Blackpool area already and are in the middle of a wider £2bn transformation of Blackpool as a place. We want to hear from organisations who have the vision, expertise and commitment to join us on this journey to make Blackpool better for the people who live here.”
The pre-market engagement process will be live until 11 September, when potential partners are able to advise on the best method of delivery, before the formal procurement takes place in the autumn. Blackpool Council is working alongside JLL and Arcadis on the acquisition activity for the programme, with Cushman & Wakefield appointed to bring the opportunity to market. A hybrid planning application has already been submitted on behalf of the council by WSP.
