Blackpool dances its way to the top

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced that Blackpool Council has been awarded £4million of funding towards an £11m scheme for the creation of the Tower Festival Headland through its Sea Change programme. The programme will see £45 million invested in the UK's seaside resorts over the next three years.

The Tower Festival Headland is situated to the front of Blackpool Tower, between the North and Central Piers. A culture-led project, it will provide a new outdoor performance and events space capable of accommodating up to 20,000 spectators. This scheme is an important first step in the town's ambitions to develop a contemporary seafront that is extraordinary and will meet the rising aspirations of leisure seekers.

Blackpool has ambitions to become the UK's ‘capital of dance'. The new zone will play a key part in helping the town realise this and fundamentally support the regeneration efforts, helping to increase visitor numbers and attract back lapsed visitors.

Cllr Maxine Callow, Cabinet Member of Tourism and Regeneration, said: "Today is a crucial day in Blackpool's future and takes us one step closer to realising our dream of becoming an innovative, inspirational and world renowned destination.

"It is brilliant to know that Government share our vision and have provided vital funding for this scheme.

"The Tower Headland will provide something we have never had in Blackpool before.

We are currently in position that we cannot hold some major events and performances as we don't have appropriate outdoor space available.

"Not only will the headland play host to the biggest events Blackpool has ever seen it will also provide a fantastic opportunity for community groups and schools to put on smaller performances."

This project, which will be made possible through a partnership between Blackpool Council, ReBlackpool, Defra and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), will transform Blackpool's central seafront into a year round urban park that will entertain both visitors and residents through dance, theatre, music and comedy. It will be supported by a £5.4m programme of signature events funded by the NWDA, Blackpool Council and private sponsors.

Sir Howard Bernstein, newly appointed chairman of ReBlackpool commented; "We are extremely pleased to have been granted this funding by the DCMS which will be invested in the reinvention of the Tower Festival Headland area of Blackpool's seafront. We are dedicated to making Blackpool a better place to live, work and play, through physical, social and economic regeneration and this is another step forward in the transformation of the town. We are determined that this first step and will lead to further investment by both private and public sectors."

The development of the new central seafront is a fundamental component of the regeneration Masterplan and ReBlackpool's 2006/2009 investment plan which will see over £78m invested in the building of new sea walls, promenade and the creation of headlands. It is supported by the £88m invested in the ongoing refurbishment of the tramway which runs along the seafront.

"The Tower Festival Headland will embrace the town's heartland and raison d'etre, creating a festival and events zone that aims to generate excitement for both residents and visitors. An essential part of the town's regeneration masterplan, the investment will not only provide a new entertainment zone, it will provide new commercial and employment opportunities for businesses and residents of the town." Sir Howard adds.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: "Confirmation of this investment is great news for Blackpool and for the region. The resort has some exciting plans that will make the most of this culture-led approach to regeneration, playing on its expanding events programme and a growing reputation for dance. The new performance space and improved streetscape will complement work already being undertaken on Blackpool's promenade and will create a vibrant public realm that will benefit residents and visitors."