Blackpool has been earmarked for a £90 million funding boost aimed at revitalising the town’s housing infrastructure, a move facilitated by a collaborative effort involving Blackpool Housing Company, Blackpool Council, Homes England, and global commercial real estate firm Avison Young. This investment is set to provide a significant uplift to the housing within the inner urban areas of Blackpool, addressing a critical need for high-quality and affordable living spaces.

Announced by Michael Gove, the Levelling Up Secretary, at the Convention of the North, Blackpool is to become a pioneering example of the Government’s Levelling Up initiative. This £90 million pledge is part of a broader £2 billion regeneration effort that encompasses several key projects, including the creation of a Multiversity campus, the Talbot Gateway commercial development, and the Blackpool Central leisure complex. These efforts collectively aim to bolster the town’s economic and social landscape.

The funding is expected to enable the development of new homes, aligning with the town’s broader ambitions to ensure that local residents can fully participate in and benefit from Blackpool’s economic advancements. Councillor Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, emphasised the dire need for improved housing and community investment, particularly in the town’s inner areas. Plans are in place for a public consultation on the initial phase of the housing project, with a vision to transform neighbourhoods into vibrant, sustainable communities enriched with essential services and opportunities.

Nicola Rigby, Principal at Avison Young, highlighted the strategic importance of this project in providing affordable, quality housing essential for leveraging the economic growth stemming from Blackpool’s extensive regeneration projects. Avison Young’s involvement in the strategic master planning and business case preparation for this initiative reflects a deep-seated commitment to Blackpool’s long-term development, with the firm already engaged in several transformative projects within the town.

This investment marks a pivotal step in Blackpool’s journey towards rejuvenation, focusing on eradicating substandard housing and fostering the creation of exemplary living conditions. It represents a concerted effort to lay the foundations for a thriving Blackpool, where residents can take pride in their community and access the full spectrum of urban life benefits.