Resort's regeneration plans at risk, warns council

Blackpool Council sees its plan for a "multiversity" as essential for the resort's regeneration

A £65m regeneration project in the heart of Blackpool is at risk if permission is not given to clear land needed for its construction, a public inquiry has been told.

Nick Gerrard, from Blackpool Council’s growth and prosperity team, warned plans for a "multiversity" education hub in the resort would have to "go back to the drawing board".

The inquiry is examining the council's bid to secure a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for land between Cookson Street, Milbourne Street, George Street and Grosvenor Street.

Independent planning inspector Phillip Ware, sitting at the town's Imperial Hotel, is also assessing 13 objections to the scheme.

'Rising costs'

Mr Gerrard said initial funding for the redevelopment plans included £40m from the government's Levelling Up Fund, £16m from Blackpool Council and £9m for the acquisition of properties.

Blackpool and The Fylde College, which will run the multiversity, will repay the £16m back to the council.

If the CPO is confirmed, construction work will begin immediately, with the first students enrolling from September 2027.

But Mr Gerrard warned: "If we delay, we are going to be faced with rising costs and are going to have to redesign the budget.

"If this scheme doesn’t come forward here, we will have to go back to the drawing board."

Blackpool Council now owns 70% of the properties needed to make way for the development, but negotiations have stalled in some instances.

This is why the local authority is seeking the CPO.

Objectors including George Whyte, of George Street, believe the council should have considered an alternative site such as land on Talbot Road which has now been earmarked for new offices.

Planning inspector Phillip Ware is expected to give his verdict next year

But Mr Gerrard said a detailed process concluded the original site was the best option due to its position close to the Talbot Gateway Central Business District and proximity to public transport.

Earlier Sarah Reid KC, who opened on behalf of the council, said there was a "compelling public interest" for the CPO.

She said the multiversity would help residents gain valuable skills and job opportunities in a town blighted by poor educational outcomes.

The hearing is expected to last until Thursday before reconvening on 3 December with further evidence from Blackpool Council, Blackpool and the Fylde College, architects and planners, as well as objectors.

A decision is expected to be announced early next year.

Thirteen people have objected to the CPO in the area of Blackpool marked by a red border