As part of our summer tour of UK resorts, we look at Blackpool's attempts to bounce back after missing out on that supercasino
What's been going on over the past 5-10 years?
Regeneration plans took a major knock in 2007, when Blackpool lost out to Manchester in its bid to host the government-backed Supercasino (an idea that was subsequently scrapped altogether) dashing hopes the town could secure substantial investment and become the Las Vegas of Britain. The recession has not helped.However, significant projects have still seen the light of day, such as a £174m scheme to improve the seafront with tram track renewals and coastal protection schemes and the £150m Hounds Hill shopping centre. Meanwhile, Balfour Beatty became the proud owner of Blackpool Airport in 2008, expanding its airport empire and, we imagine, giving its chief executive, keen pilot Ian Tyler, a new spot to practice his landings.
What are the plans for regeneration?
Urban regeneration company ReBlackpool is heading up a 15-year regeneration scheme, the Blackpool Resort Masterplan, which aims to turn the town into a “world class 21st century visitor destination” in spite of recent setbacks. The scheme focuses on an area 5km long and 1km deep called the “resort core”.
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