Regeneration and development work in Blackpool has been consistently moving forward and changing the shape of Blackpool as we know it for at least 7 years now. If you haven’t been to Blackpool for a while you’ll be surprised what changes have taken place – take a look for yourself.
Town Centre
– Brilliance A fantastic town centre lighting scheme aims to encourage visitors to explore the town centre further at night and in the day. A themed all year round illumination spectacle can be found within the Town Centre culminating in a centre piece sound and light show in Birley Street.
– St John’s Square St John's Precinct is an important public space in the centre of Blackpool. The improvements include the creation of a pedestrianised piazza along with new planting, paving and lighting to attract and enhance the character, appearance and atmosphere of the area. With the addition of the much anticipated Wave sculpture, blue glass artwork and WiFi connectivity this area has become one of the most well utilised spaces within the town centre.
– Houndshill Shopping Centre The redevelopment of the Houndshill Shopping Centre has brought a threefold increase in shopping floor-space which was previously occupied by the shopping mall. It has also provided a 3 storey Debenhams along with an array of popular high street stores such as H&M, Next, River Island, Primark and Faith.
The Beach - Coastal Protection This project centres on the reconstruction of damaged sea defences. The sea wall is being replaced and 6 new headlands created each extending 60 meters seaward (the size of a football pitch). A series of 'Spanish steps' leading down to the sea will complete this protection programme and increase public access to the seafront.
The Beach - Southern Gateway This newly transformed area of the promenade has revitalised the southern entry point into Blackpool, and extended the seaside experience for visitors and residents alike. Restored walkways are complemented by works of public art, including the world’s largest mirror ball and a modern lighting scheme. This stretch of the Promenade is now used frequently by pedestrians and cyclists seeking to enjoy the fantastic views over the Irish Sea.
The Beach - Tower Festival Headland A 20,000 capacity outdoor events space on the promenade is now really beginning to take shape with engineering works well advanced. Work to install the various elements of the public realm will continue throughout the year and into next summer. As the Tower Festival Headland's centre piece a ‘comedy carpet’ art installation will be laid that will immortalize comedy catchphrases and create a real visitor attraction on the headland when events are not taking place. This scheme will also include a new café/restaurant, complete with wedding license, fantastic lighting and unparalleled views out onto the Irish Sea.
Gateways to Blackpool To improve the Blackpool arrival experience, these two projects aimed to transform the existing sea of tarmac into a high quality attractive entrance point for visitors and a welcome green space for its residents and communities.
In May 2006 Laurence Llewelyn Bowen opened the first phase of works - Blackpool’s newest park and a brand new entrance into the resort. It includes 650 parking spaces, a children’s play area, a multi-use games area, a bouldering wall and two 20 metre high climbing towers.
In September 2009 Seasiders’ goalkeeper Paul Rachubka helped to unveil the second phase of improvements covering the area north of Bloomfield Road adjacent to Blackpool Football Stadium. Key components of this entire project include remodelled parking, landscaping and traffic management improvements, which have all helped immensely, just in time for Blackpool Football Club’s elevation into Premiership status!.
Talbot Gateway A multi-million pound scheme on the northeastern edge of the town centre will create a new business district and cultural quarter for the town. The scheme will provide a superstore within the town centre as well as a public plaza and key retail, commercial and leisure facilities. The scheme will also provide new and improved eateries and restaurants. Work is expected to start in 2011. |