Blackpool Council is actively seeking a development partner for a prime site at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, signalling significant growth opportunities.
- The development spans 30,000 square metres, with planning already approved for employment-focused infrastructure.
- An £18m access road is under construction, enhancing connectivity and due for completion by late 2025.
- Targeted development sectors include advanced manufacturing, energy, food and drink, and digital technology.
- Proposals from interested developers must be submitted by July 2024, promising high-quality job creation.
Blackpool Council has launched an initiative to find a suitable development partner for a substantial 30,000 square metre site located within the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone. This move represents a strategic effort to transform the area into one of the northwest’s key business destinations. The land benefits from pre-approved planning permission, specifically orientated towards creating employment opportunities within the region.
In a bid to enhance the site’s accessibility, an £18 million road project is currently underway, led by civil engineering contractor George Cox & Sons. This infrastructural enhancement, set to complete by late 2025, will connect the development area directly to the M55 motorway, significantly reducing travel time and expediting logistical operations. The connectivity improvements are expected to be a crucial factor in attracting potential development partners.
The council has earmarked this site for industrial and warehouse use with a special focus on growth industries such as advanced manufacturing, energy production, food and drink processing, and digital technology. The available plots will support facilities ranging from 15,000 to 75,000 square feet and aim to draw national and international companies, further cementing Blackpool’s status as a business hub.
Councillor Mark Smith, the cabinet member responsible for the ‘levelling up’ agenda, has highlighted the importance of this project in driving local employment and economic growth. He notes that substantial progress has been made concerning the site’s infrastructure, which includes the provision of power, internet, and water services, thus mitigating many common development risks. “This creates an attractive proposition for developers keen to contribute to the area’s ambition of generating high-quality jobs,” Smith stated.
Prospective developers are invited to express their interest by submitting proposals before 1 July 2024. The council provides comprehensive details on the project and proposal requirements through their official website, illustrating its commitment to transparency and collaboration with potential partners.
Blackpool’s initiative to develop the airport enterprise zone is a significant step towards economic revitalisation and job creation in the region.
