Plans have been submitted by Blackpool Council to improve housing quality around Central Drive and help restore the area to its former heyday, and we’re proud to support this ambitious vision for change.
The proposals aim to tackle the issue of poor-quality private rented housing in the area, replacing it with something the community can be proud of. At the heart of the plans are:
- Up to 230 modern, energy-efficient homes
- New green spaces and safer streets
- Local shops, services and community facilities
These new developments will replace around 300 existing homes, many of which currently stand empty or lack any access to green space. It’s a sign of how ready the community is for change that more than 70% of property owners in the area have already requested an offer, with over 100 agreeing to sell their property. Many residents have also been supported to find more suitable housing, with the option to remain in the local area where they wished to.
Part of a Bigger Picture for Central Drive
This scheme doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s one part of a much wider set of plans to breathe new life into Central Drive and the surrounding area, including:
- Around 300 new social homes at Foxhall Village
- A new community sports village at Blackpool FC
- Improvements to Revoe Park
- Efforts to attract investors and create new jobs at Blackpool Central
For us at Blackpool BID, this kind of investment matters. A thriving town centre depends on a strong, well-connected community around it, and improving housing, green space and job opportunities in areas like Central Drive helps build the foundations for a town centre that’s safer, more attractive and more sustainable for everyone.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “People have been telling us for decades that we need to do something about Central Drive and the surrounding area.”
“Our plans are aimed to make it somewhere people want to raise their children in because of quality homes, nice streets and play areas, reduced crime, lower energy bills and more jobs.”
“People who live in Layton and Grange Park have benefitted from better neighbourhoods in recent years and Central Drive deserves that too. This isn’t about gentrification – it’s about creating a better area for Blackpool people to live in. I want that to be quality social housing for local people.”
Have Your Say
This is a significant moment for the future of Central Drive, and we’d encourage everyone with an interest in the area to get involved.
Have your say on planning application 26/0306: https://tinyurl.com/CentralHousingPlanningApp
Find out more about the project: https://tinyurl.com/MakingCentralDriveBetter