Newsroom

7 July 2026

“Ask for support” message to residents in central housing area

Blackpool Council is reiterating its call for residents in the central housing area to ask for support to find a new home.

An aerial view of the central housing area

It comes as a report to the council’s Executive recommends the first steps to prepare for a possible use of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers.

The report is the first of many steps before a CPO is needed and residents in the area are being reassured that this does not mean that a final decision on a CPO is being made or that any properties are being compulsory purchased at this time.

The report, which will be considered by the council’s Executive on 13 July 2026, highlights strong progress in acquiring property for the central housing regeneration project, and outlines the need to prepare for the use of CPO powers if they are needed.

Over the past 14 months, the council has been working closely with residents, businesses and property owners in the area. So far, over three quarters of property owners have either agreed to sell their homes, or are actively negotiating.

This has so far resulted in:

  • More than one third (35.8%) of property interests have already been acquired, exchanged or agreed.
  • A further 41.6% have received valuation offers, with ongoing negotiations continuing.
  • Dedicated engagement teams have made over 2,400 contacts with households, with around 90% of households having had at least one conversation about their options and support available.

The council has also submitted a hybrid planning application for the area, which includes proposals for up to 230 new homes, new community spaces and improved public areas, as part of the wider plan to restore Central Drive back to its heyday.

Leader of Blackpool Council, Cllr Lynn Williams said:

“For years now people have told us they want us to do something with Central Drive. This housing regeneration project is part of the wider vision to restore the neighbourhood to its heyday. “This regeneration is vital and will bring real, long-term change to the third most deprived area in the country. Over three-quarters of owners are engaging with us already and many people have asked us for help and as a result found a better home while staying local. “For people in the area, I appreciate that this will create a bit of worry. There is no need for them to panic. This is a first step, and making a CPO is not imminent. If people are concerned then we have a dedicated team at Ibbison Court to speak to people and help them find new homes. Help is available and I’d encourage everybody in the area to go and see the team. “Our focus remains on reaching agreement to buy the houses by negotiation. But this project will be worth nothing if we still have just one owner who won’t engage with us and this step means that we can prepare for that eventuality to deliver the new, high-quality homes and improved neighbourhoods that Blackpool residents deserve.”

Any formal decision to use CPO powers would be subject to further approval by the council’s Executive at a later date if it was deemed to be required.

A key focus of the scheme is providing tailored support to people affected by the regeneration.

Residents are receiving personalised advice to help them find suitable new homes, while businesses are being supported to relocate and continue operating locally, including access to compensation and professional advice. All owners, business occupiers and residents are being strongly encouraged to contact the council to discuss their circumstances and any support they may need.

Regular drop-in sessions and a dedicated engagement team based locally are helping residents and business owners access advice and ask questions.

Any decision to formally use CPO powers would be subject to a further report and approval, with the earliest such decision expected in autumn 2026.

The central housing regeneration project is part of a wider long-term plan to improve housing quality and life chances in Blackpool’s inner areas.

Blackpool has some of the highest levels of deprivation in the country, with many properties failing to meet modern housing standards.

The regeneration project aims to address this by replacing poor quality housing with high-quality, sustainable homes and creating stronger, more resilient communities.

People currently living in the affected area are being encouraged to engage with the local team who can support with finding a new home and accessing compensation. The team are available at Ibbison Community Centre for general advice and a chat every Tuesday 9.00am to 4.30pm, Thursday 9.00am to 12noon and Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm.

The first phase of the project is supported by £90.4 million in Government funding through Homes England, covering land acquisition, demolition and future redevelopment.

The housing project is supplemented by work to create more jobs through investment in a new leisure scheme at Blackpool Central, more social housing at Foxhall Village and better community facilities at Blackpool Football Club and Revoe Park.

For more information on the project and support available, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/housingregen

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