How is Blackpool’s transport policy contributing to the resort’s regeneration process?
Regeneration means more visitors, which Blackpool’s roads and public transport must accommodate while making sure that the resort remains attractive to them. Key areas' transport needs, including the town centre, seafront and Pleasure Beach, are monitored carefully. It should be possible to get to these areas using sustainable transport, which will help them stay attractive for visitors and residents.
Growing public transport use can help keep Blackpool safe and benefits its environment. Large regeneration projects will provide facilities to help people interchange between different transport types.
The Blackpool tramway’s renewal is a key regeneration scheme. More than a tourist attraction, the trams are essential public transport connecting the resort’s principal attractions and is a key part of the seafront environment.
It is hoped that the tramway will be extended into the proposed Central Business District development, providing direct interchange between trains terminating at Blackpool North Railway station and trams, giving seamless rail access to the resort's leading attractions, including the Pleasure Beach, and many hotels.
The Council is also supporting the European funded
SINTROPHER project, investigating opportunities to reduce the resort's relative isolation using light rail technology. This project involves five areas - West Flanders (Belgium), North Hesse (Germany), Valencienne (France), Nijmegen-Kleve (Netherlands), and Fylde Coast (UK) - working together to establish best practice in light rail development, operation and promotion. The project will report during 2012, whereupon opportunities to take its findings forward will be sought.