The LCCA was officially launched on the 5 February 2025 and held its inaugural meeting at County Hall in Preston on 11 March 2025.

Its creation was an important step in bringing more powers to Lancashire to benefit both residents and businesses, and to champion the county on the regional and national stage.

Since its first meeting the LCCA has made significant progress, including

• adopting the Lancashire Growth Plan which maps £20bn of additional public and private investment opportunities
• an initial £20m of devolution funding used to progress projects including the Innovation Hub at Samlesbury Enterprise Zone, Blackpool’s flagship digital infrastructure project Silicon Sands and new office for the DWP, and Blackburn’s Cyber Campus and Innovation Quarter
• £20m of government funding used to deliver key benefits across the county, including business support and employment and skills provision
• adopting the Get Lancashire Working Plan which supports people who face barriers such as health conditions or disadvantages to find a job
• consulting on the Local Transport Plan which aims to transform travel choices, unleash Lancashire’s economic potential and integrate new technologies

With a population of 1.53 million residents and a Gross Value Added (GVA) of £40bn, Lancashire already makes a significant contribution and holds enormous potential for the future.

The LCCA will continue its work to ensure the county has the powers and investment needed to thrive.

It already has big plans for 2026 including:

• submitting a bid for £20m of Local Innovation Partnership funding to underpin activity around defence, security and critical national infrastructure
• becoming the Local Transport Authority for Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council on 1st April with a funding settlement valued at over £640m over the next four years
• taking on responsibility for Adult Skills Fund of £40m and supporting more than 36,000 Lancashire residents
• attending the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREIIF) in May. This brings together more than 16,000 delegates together with a focus on unlocking investment and driving regeneration and development

 

Councillor Stephen Atkinson, chair of the LCCA and leader of Lancashire County Council, said:

“Over the past year, the Lancashire Combined County Authority has shown exactly what can be achieved when we bring our county together with a shared ambition.

“We have already delivered real progress, unlocking millions of pounds in funding to support people and businesses across the county and also identified billions of pounds of investment opportunities.

“Lancashire’s residents and businesses deserve the best opportunities, and we are showing that by putting the power in the hands of local leaders we can deliver investment and compete on the regional and national stage.”

 

Councillor Phil Riley, Chair of the LCCA Transport Advisory Board and leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

“Devolving powers from Westminster to local areas such as Lancashire is the way forward and, although we are a long way behind some of our neighbours like Greater Manchester and Merseyside, it’s great news that the journey of catching up has begun. The residents of Lancashire deserve the best that we can achieve on their behalf.”

 

Councillor Lynn Williams, Chair of the LCCA Economy Advisory Board and leader of Blackpool Council, said:

“Lancashire is stronger when we all pull together with a common cause to make life better for the people who live here.

“The first year of the Combined County Authority has shown that as a collective we can deliver better outcomes for the people we serve, from having a more joined up approach to transport, skills and investment, to making sure our combined voice is heard loudly across the country that Lancashire means business.

“It has also shown that the government is starting to take Lancashire seriously, with devolution packages that have helped create jobs and opportunities for local people. Our next step is to make sure that our voice continues to be heard, and we can access more public and private investment to make our collective home towns better.”

 

One of Blackpool’s most iconic venues is set for an exciting new chapter after plans were agreed to transfer its operation to Blackpool Council’s wholly owned tourism company.

In late January, the council’s Shareholder Committee approved proposals to dissolve the company that currently manages the Winter Gardens, bringing all council owned leisure assets under a single operator for the first time.

The Grade II listed Winter Gardens is presently run by Blackpool Entertainment Company Ltd (BECL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Blackpool Council. Under the new plans, BECL will be dissolved, with all assets and employees transferring to Blackpool Tourism Ltd (BTL).

This strategic move will enable a long term, unified approach to managing the resort’s key tourism assets while safeguarding the heritage of one of Blackpool’s most treasured buildings.

Blackpool Tourism Limited was established in June 2025 to bring council owned attractions under local management, with a renewed focus on creating a sustainable economic future, increasing employment opportunities for local people and strengthening collaboration across the wider visitor economy.

Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said:

“This is an exciting and vital step for one of Blackpool’s most iconic venues. Bringing the Winter Gardens into Blackpool Tourism Ltd will deliver significant benefits, including a more strategic approach to event sales. We want to showcase Blackpool’s live entertainment to a wider audience while delivering a more efficient operation through shared resources, expertise and infrastructure.

“2026 is a landmark year for the Winter Gardens, marking 100 years of the Blackpool Dance Festival and 130 years of the Empress Ballroom. I look forward to working with the team as we build on this incredible legacy.”

 

Cllr Lynn Williams MBE, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:

“Our tourism and visitor economy supports thousands of local jobs, from working directly in attractions, to businesses being part of the supply chain or the spend that comes from large events in hotels, restaurants and bars.

“This move strengthens the way that our tourism offer is aligned, providing a better service for both locals and visitors. To create a sustainable economic future for our town, we must view Blackpool’s tourism industry as one rather than a collection of individual venues.

Blackpool’s £350m Talbot Gateway has taken another step towards full occupancy, with 300 workers relocating to the heart of the town centre.

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) has moved into the Talbot Gateway around Blackpool North train station.

As an Arm’s Length Body of the Department of Health and Social Care, the NHSBSA delivers a range of national services to support the priorities of the NHS, Government and local health economies – including NHS Pensions and Student Services.

This week, staff moved into the first floor of Number One, Bickerstaffe Square, taking up a 22,000sqft office on a ten-year lease.

The deal also moves Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway towards full occupancy, with 99% of the 500,000sqft developed space around Blackpool North train station now occupied. Only one retail unit around Blackpool North tram stop remains available to rent.

The relocation of 300 NHSBSA staff is in addition to the 8,000 workers and students moving to the area from other organisations, as part of an expected boost to the town centre economy and creation of more jobs.

Over 500,000 sqft of commercial property has been developed in the Talbot Gateway over the last ten years, including new offices, supermarket, hotel and tramway extension, as well as gyms, restaurants, shops and education space. A new office for the Ministry of Defence is expected to open next year, while construction work for a new Multiversity college campus will start later this year.

The Talbot Gateway is highly accessible via train, tram and bus, while more car parking space has been created at new car parks on Dickson Road and Charles Street, with a planning application for a new multi storey car park to follow this year.

Cllr Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said:

 

“It’s great that more and more organisations are choosing to move their offices into Blackpool town centre.

“Blackpool is thriving at the moment, with billions of pounds of investment and one of the fastest growing economies in the North West, which means more jobs and opportunities for our local people.

“The Talbot Gateway has completely changed the look of the area around the train station and is really making Blackpool better. It is a vibrant hub of activity and more importantly is bringing jobs and money back into Blackpool town centre.

“That’s so important, because it means businesses can be confident enough to invest in new cafes, coffee shops and retail shops, creating a modern business district that people want to spend time in.”

 

For more information on the Talbot Gateway, visit www.talbotgateway.com or email regeneration@blackpool.gov.uk

 

Blackpool Restaurant Week returns from Thursday, 12th to Thursday, 19th March, with restaurants across the town offering special menus and deals to encourage people to eat out, try new places and support local businesses.

The week brings together a wide range of venues, from long-standing family-run favourites to independents and well-known names, with more businesses already signed up to take part than last year.

Activity takes place across different parts of Blackpool, including the town centre, Red Bank Road and Highfield Road, giving people the chance to explore different areas and discover somewhere they’ve never been before to eat.

Many participating venues will offer family-friendly options alongside their Restaurant Week menus, including child-friendly dishes, sharing plates and offers designed for groups and families eating out together. A programme of events and activities will also run during the week, giving people more reasons to visit venues across the town.

Blackpool Restaurant Week is delivered by Blackpool BIDs, bringing together Blackpool Town Centre BID and Blackpool Tourism BID, working with local partners to support the hospitality sector. The initiative is designed to encourage footfall, bring people through doors and highlight the range of food businesses operating across Blackpool.

 

Sue Grindrod, Managing Director of Blackpool BIDs, said:

“Blackpool has a wide range of food businesses across the town, and Restaurant Week is about giving people the opportunity to discover them. The response last year showed there’s real appetite for this kind of event, and this year we’re seeing even more venues getting involved across different parts of Blackpool.

“At a time when hospitality businesses are working hard to attract customers, initiatives like this help encourage people to eat out, try somewhere new and support local venues.”

 

Confirmed venues already include Beach House Bar & Restaurant, Abingdon Street Market, Michael Wan’s Mandarin, Umami, Bella Italia, Limoncello and Yorkshire Fisheries, with more venues and offers to be announced in the coming weeks.

Family attraction Coral Island has been confirmed as headline sponsor, supporting the event and helping to raise its profile across the resort.

 

Coral Island Managing Director said:

“Coral Island Blackpool is incredibly proud to sponsor Blackpool Restaurant Week and to stand alongside so many brilliant local food and hospitality businesses. This week is about celebrating the quality, choice, and value that Blackpool offers, while encouraging both locals and visitors to try something new. Being involved means supporting our community, our fellow businesses and the people who make Blackpool such a vibrant place to visit and live.”

 

Students from Blackpool and The Fylde College will once again be involved during the week, gaining experience in local venues and learning more about careers in hospitality. Blackpool’s connection with fish and chips will also feature during Restaurant Week alongside a wide range of cuisines.

 

Jake Whittington, Managing Director of The Little Blackpool Leisure Company, operators of Abingdon Street Market and Vice Chair of the Town Centre BID Management Group, said:

“Blackpool Restaurant Week gives people a reason to try somewhere new and helps show just how much choice there is when it comes to eating out across the town. It supports local businesses and encourages people to explore different areas of Blackpool.”

 

Participation in Blackpool Restaurant Week is free for businesses, and restaurants across the town are still invited to take part. For more information, email marketing@blackpoolbid.org. Updates and a full list of participating venues will be available at www.blackpoolrestaurantweek.co.uk.

A popular restaurant and bar at the heart of Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway central business district is set to expand.

Platform 9, which operates in the bar and lobby area of the Holiday Inn Blackpool will take over the Marco’s New York Italian restaurant from 12 January.

The move will allow the locally trained chefs to create a new menu and promises generous portions, bold flavours and excellent value for professional lunches, as well as catering for the growing student numbers from the forthcoming Multiversity.

Since opening in May 2024, the hotel has welcomed over 110,000 guests and continues to offer a popular branded hotel in the town centre. It was also recently named as the best Holiday Inn in the UK and Ireland for guest experience by brand owners IHG.

 

Mark Winter, General Manager at Holiday Inn Blackpool, said:

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the popularity of the hotel since we opened. As well as rooms being booked, people are really enjoying using the lobby and Platform 9 area to eat, meet and socialise.

“This move will allow us to be more flexible with the menu that we offer. I know that our kitchen and waiting staff are excited to let their creativity flow with a new menu and offering specials for our guests to enjoy.

“We will be releasing tables to book through the Platform 9 website soon, as well as releasing the new menu. Anybody with a booking after 12 January will be getting a phonecall about the changes and inviting them to try out the new expanded Platform 9.”

 

Cllr Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment at Blackpool Council, added:

“We knew that a hotel and restaurant would be a success, particularly when sandwiched between the train station and tramway extension, and with over 8,000 workers and students on their doorstep in the coming years.

“This move will allow the Platform 9 offer to grow, reducing commission and offering more flexibility to the excellent team which run the hotel already.”

 

The hotel is owned by Blackpool Council and run by RBH Hospitality under the Holiday Inn brand.

For more information on the Talbot Gateway, visit www.talbotgateway.com or email regeneration@blackpool.gov.uk

Blackpool Town Centre BID has been voted in for a further term following the renewal and alteration ballot.

The BID secured 87.8 percent in favour by number and 95 percent in favour by rateable value and will now continue until 31 March 2031.

The renewal follows extensive consultation and the publication of the 2026 to 2031 Business Plan, shaped directly by levy payer feedback. In the new term, more than £1.8 million will be invested across safety, cleanliness, business support, digital innovation and activity that promotes Blackpool town centre.

Since 2021, the BID has invested more than £1 million across safety patrols, environmental improvements, the GO Blackpool app, seasonal displays and new events including Blackpool Restaurant Week.

Thank you to every business that took the time to vote. Further information about next steps will be shared shortly.

South Shore’s high street has been given a green spruce-up through two projects which are part of the High Street Improvement Scheme, led by Blackpool Council.

Work completed this month has seen green improvements including extensive planting and street cleansing in the Waterloo Road and Lytham Road area.

The goal is to breathe new life into the community’s public spaces and help create a stronger sense of civic pride among local residents and businesses.

The first project, delivered by NatureScape North West CIC, has given greenspaces a nature-friendly makeover.

Hardy coastal plants will soon brighten the roundabout alongside planters along the stretch, while hedgerows will help create more attractive and greener streets.

NatureScape, a local community interest company, specialises in nature-inspired gardens that support wildlife and boost wellbeing. The new planting scheme will make the area more welcoming, sustainable, and resilient to the seaside climate.

Alongside this project, HLS Cleaning was commissioned to deep-clean the streets around Waterloo Road and Lytham Road to improve pavement surfaces and shopfronts.

Together, these projects which have been funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) mark an important step in improving the look and feel of South Shore.

 

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said:

“This scheme is about more than just plants and pavements, it’s about pride. South Shore has a fantastic community and a thriving group of local businesses. By investing in cleaner streets and greener spaces, we’re helping to create a high street that people feel good about visiting, shopping in, and being part of.”

 

The improvements are part of the wider Blackpool High Street Improvement Programme, which aims to support local businesses, enhance the town’s appearance, and strengthen a sense of pride across key local areas.

For local business support, news and event information – visit www.blackpoolunlimited.com

Independent businesses along Lytham Road and Waterloo Road in Blackpool’s South Shore are joining forces for Small Business Saturday, turning the area into a festive Winter Windowland to encourage local shopping and celebrate community spirit.

Small Business Saturday, 6 December, is a national day to celebrate the small, independent businesses that make our communities special.

Businesses across Blackpool will be taking part and in South Shore to make things extra special participating businesses have had their shopfronts transformed into a snowy festive scene with intricate stencils by North West artist Paul Crawford of Hand on Art.

The day will also see special discounts from businesses, an afternoon of seasonal entertainment along with the sparkly Christmas lights switch-on.

Special discounts and treats

Shoppers can enjoy exclusive one day discounts, special deals, and festive treats offered by a range of South Shore businesses from local cafés, gift shops to salons and convenience stores.

The event is supported by Blackpool Council’s Business Growth team who provide fully funded and tailored advice to new and growing businesses and practical help to lower carbon emissions through their Growth Business Academy and Net Zero Business Academy. Funding has been delivered through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).

Festive fun and lights switch-on

There’s also going be family festive fun with entertainment and music between 3.30pm and 6pm on Waterloo Road with the Waterloo Road Christmas Lights switch on at 4.30pm.

Sarah Hallett, owner of South Shore Pitstop Community Café, said:

“As a business owner on Waterloo Road, it’s been brilliant to see the improvements happening around South Shore.

“The fresh planting, cleaner streets and festive shop window scenes have really lifted the whole community’s spirits and encouraged businesses on Waterloo Road to become even more enthusiastic about wanting to work together as a community, which is really positive.

“Also with the 6 December lights switch-on, including face painting, dance performances, pop-up stalls, a brass band, carol singing and Santa’s grotto, we’re excited to welcome even more families to the high street.”

 

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said:

“Christmas in Blackpool is never short on community spirit and Small Business Saturday is a fantastic opportunity to remind people just how much our local independents have to offer.

“South Shore is full of brilliant, hardworking business owners, and Winter Windowland will not only make the area look festive and welcoming, but also encourage people to pop in, shop local and discover something new.”

 

For more information on which businesses are taking part, visit: www.blackpoolunlimited.com/winter-windowland-comes-to-south-shore-for-small-business-saturday/

Two leading firms have joined forces with Blackpool Council to spearhead plans to bring more private investment to Blackpool Central.

Acting through its Retail Consultancy & Analytics team, Newmark, the global commercial real estate advisory firm, will collaborate with theleisureway, a Spanish architectural practice with a strong track record in European master planning, to work with Blackpool Council on a new vision for Blackpool Central.

Both companies are committed to working with local residents and stakeholders to understand the best use of the land to benefit the local economy, ahead of attracting private sector investment to a new scheme.

The two companies were selected following an open tender process, after first hearing about the scheme and Blackpool’s wider ambitions for regeneration at the major property event, MIPIM, earlier this year.

Blackpool Central is a 10-acre site in the shadow of The Blackpool Tower. It is accessible via a direct road off the M55 motorway, as well as via Blackpool Tower tram stop.

The site opens up onto Blackpool Promenade and seafront, as well as the resort’s main area for major events such as Blackpool Illuminations, Blackpool Air Show and the World Fireworks Championship Blackpool.

The site already has outline planning permission for indoor attractions, hotels and restaurants, as well as full planning permission to create a heritage quarter converting the King Edward VII Cinema and apartments into a food and drink hall, aparthotel and retail space The viability of these proposals will be considered as part of a full review on how to deliver a world-class leisure offer for the site.

A 1,306 space multi-storey car park opened in 2024, while demolition of the police station and courts building have created a shovel-ready site.

Following the demolition, Bonny Street car park has re-opened, while the council is exploring temporary uses of the additional land that do not impact future investment.

 

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:

 

“Blackpool Central sits right at the heart of our plans to make Blackpool better for everybody.

“I believe that this has the potential to be one of the most exciting investment sites in the country.

“We have made huge strides in the last few years, getting private sector investment to complete a new car park and knocking down the old courts building, both of which have been a blocker to development for decades.

“Given the location, it needs to be some form of leisure use, but we have an open mind about what exactly that could be, as long as it creates all year round quality jobs and visitor experiences. The consultants have committed that, as with all our projects, they will speak to the community to understand what can have the biggest impact on the town.”

 

Will Chamberlain, Associate Director of New Business within Newmark’s Retail Consultancy and Analytics team, said:

 

“We’re thrilled to be working with Blackpool Council to help realise the potential of Blackpool Central.

“Our ambition is to attract investment that activates the town’s vision and drives wider regeneration across Blackpool

“This is a pivotal opportunity for Blackpool, and over the next 12 months, our focus will be on building momentum, engaging the right partners and laying the foundations for long-term success.”

 

Gastón Gaitán, Founder and CEO of theleisureway, said:

 

“We understand leisure as an emotional state of mind, a way of feeling good. At Blackpool, we aim to not only create a destination of leisure, but rather a destination of life.

“This is an opportunity to create a new generation space, connecting with the town heritage, bringing global trends that attract both locals and tourists, and making an impact on local businesses.

“Blackpool has a unique personality and needs its own recipe. Our goal is to craft a tailor-made leisure ecosystem that blends with the surroundings and delivers an emotional and economical value that elevates the attractiveness of the area.”

 

Work to demolish the buildings and court has been supported by a £6.95m grant by UK Government as part of the Blackpool Town Deal.

Blackpool Council is taking the next major step in delivering a first data centre as part of plans for Silicon Sands, a flagship digital infrastructure project at the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

A report to the council’s Executive recommends the next step on the project, which has the potential to support thousands of high-value jobs across the region both directly and indirectly, through investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) data infrastructure, renewable energy and innovation led growth.

Planning permission for a 6MW carbon friendly data centre and 20,000sqft office and research space is set to be submitted before Christmas, following significant interest from private sector investors.

The Silicon Sands plan builds on the arrival of the transatlantic Aquacomms cable and aims to position the Fylde Coast as a leading location for sustainable data centres and digital innovation.

Unlike other data centre projects around the world, Silicon Sands aims to tackle the climate crisis at the same time. Data centres would be powered by renewable energy, use liquid immersion cooling to improve efficiency and re-use heat to act as an energy source for other properties.

 

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said:

 

“Silicon Sands is a transformational opportunity for Blackpool. It can create thousands of well-paid jobs, attract investment, and put us at the forefront of sustainable digital development.

“That vision is proven by the significant interest we have had from the private sector already.

“Silicon Sands is about so much more than just data centres though. We are carefully managing the programme so that we can create data centres which are carbon friendly, and can even supply waste heat back to local communities.”

 

The first data centre would be at the site of the old fire station and engineering yard at Blackpool Airport, which was demolished in 2023, as well as on the site of the airport’s old administration offices and security point. A new administration and security point for the airport opened earlier this year.

The council has secured £2m in funding from the Lancashire Devolution deal, while Silicon Sands is also one of Lancashire Combined County Authorities strategic sites in its latest Growth Plan.

The council has also submitted a bid for AI Growth Zone status, which remains under consideration by the government.

 

For more information about Silicon Sands, visit www.siliconsands.co.uk