Two new roads at a major Blackpool business park expansion have been named by local school children. 

The roads are expected to open later this year at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, as part of Blackpool Council’s £18.5m expansion designed to create more jobs in the area. 

The two new road names were picked by school children at nearby St Nicholas Church of England Primary School. The names follow the area’s tradition of roads being named along an aviation theme. 

A new main road connecting Common Edge Road with the current business park at Amy Johnson Way will be named as Vickers Way.  

The Vickers-Wellington Bomber factory was built during the Second World War and manufactured over 2,000 Wellington Bombers between 1940 and 1945. The original factory still stands today on Squires Gate Lane. 

The name was suggested by Year 6 pupil Bethan Lowe. She said “It’s amazing to have my road name picked – I feel on top of the world!” 

A new residential road connecting Vickers Way with Oakwood Close has also been named as Hallett Avenue.  

Flight Lieutenant Austin Hallett MBE was well decorated for his efforts during the Second World War including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Cross and French Legion of Honour medal. 

After 30 years in the RAF, taking part in over 30 bombing raids including on D-Day, Flt Lt Hallett retired to run a post office in South Shore before moving to School Road.  

Austin Hallett passed away in 2015 but his daughters Pauline and Jacqueline were able to meet some of the school children from class 5HL who chose to name the road after their father. 

They said: “We were both very surprised and overwhelmed when we heard the plans to use our father’s name for one of the roads.   

“We think it is wonderful that the schoolchildren found his name and war history and then nominated a road to be named after him.  He used to live very near to St Nicholas School and he would be very touched that they thought of him, as are we.” 

Cllr Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment at Blackpool Council, said: “We’re making Blackpool better by expanding the Enterprise Zone and allowing businesses to create new jobs. 

“We’re also making sure that we don’t forget the area’s history and strong connections with local aviation and Blackpool’s involvement in the war effort. 

“It has been a great project for local school children to be involved in the naming. Who knows, in ten years’ time they might even find work on the road that they helped to name.” 

Other roads on the business park include Sir Frank Whittle Way and Avroe Crescent, while many buildings in the area are named after planes or pilots, such as Piper Court, Lockheed Court and Canberra Court. 

The new road is being constructed by George Cox and Sons and also includes widening of Common Edge Road to reduce congestion. Funding for the road has been supported by a £7.5m grant from the UK Government, as part of the Blackpool Town Deal awarded in 2022. 

Once open later this year, land either side of Vickers Way will be developed by local businesses to create more jobs for people on the Fylde coast, while land either side of Hallett Avenue will be made available for a small housing development. 

Marketing of the land is under way, and businesses can visit www.blackpoolez.com to enquire. 

Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone is already one of the north west’s premier business destinations with over 200 businesses and around 4,000 employees working from the area. Directly accessible from the M55 motorway, the enterprise zone also lies near Squires Gate train station and Starr Gate tram station and incorporates Blackpool Airport. 

Blackpool Council is the accountable body for Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, which is a 144-hectare site across Blackpool and Fylde and is earmarked to create 5,000 new jobs by 2041. 

For more information on the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, visit www.blackpoolez.com. 

Blackpool Council has unveiled an innovative Fair Employment Charter, aimed at making the town a better place to work and do business.   

Launched today (1 May 2025) to coincide with International Workers’ Day and developed with input from residents, employers and trade unions, the charter sets out a bold, inclusive vision to raise employment standards, improve job quality and drive economic growth across the region.  

The new charter, designed to be flexible and accessible, offers employers the opportunity to participate at introductory or advanced levels, using a modular framework tailored to their existing strengths and areas for development.   

It covers key employment themes including job security, fair pay, flexible working, workplace conditions and training and development – with an aim to create a happier, more skilled and productive community.  

Employers can choose modules relevant to their business and apply for different levels (from one to three, with three being the highest accreditation level possible) of recognition based on their current practices. Those achieving the highest standards across all modules will be awarded full accreditation.  

Participation in the scheme is free of charge, with no membership or sign-up fees.  

Over time, there is potential to measure the scheme by the impact on employment in the town, such as a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in training and employment, along with higher average earnings.   

Depending on the uptake of specific elements of the charter, other potential indicators of success may include an increase in permanent employment opportunities, a reduction in reliance on temporary or irregular contracts and the development of a strong, locally based workforce that brings wider benefits to the town and its communities.  

Councillor Jo Farrell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing at Blackpool Council said: 

“This is a significant step towards building a fairer, stronger economy in Blackpool.   

“By encouraging good employment practices, we are not only supporting local workers – we are also creating the conditions for business success, talent retention, and sustainable growth. 

“Inspired by successful models in other regions and shaped by Blackpool’s specific needs, the charter offers employers a simple yet impactful way to improve the workplace environment, ensuring that Blackpool remains an attractive and thriving place to live and work.”  

Blackpool Council is working closely with local business networks and employment services to ensure participants are supported with tools such as staff training packages and template policies, as well as recruitment and mentoring opportunities.  

Blackpool Transport gets on board with the new employment charter 

Blackpool Transport Services Ltd, one of the first local organisations to pilot the Fair Employment Charter, recently achieved Level 3, demonstrating their commitment by meeting the highest standards of accreditation.  

With over 600 employees, across a range of roles including bus and tram drivers, conductors, customer service staff, management positions and more – joining the charter aligned perfectly with their values for their dedicated workforce.  

Jade Bambrook, Head of Organisational Development at Blackpool Transport adds:   

“We are delighted to have been working with Blackpool Borough Council to pilot the Fair Employment Charter.   

“As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome the Fair Employment Charter as a means to encourage not just Blackpool Transport, but all local businesses to make progressive changes which can positively impact the health and wellbeing of employees.   

“We’re proud to have achieved the top level in the charter and will continue to support, develop and engage our colleagues at every level”.  

If you are a local business and would like to find out more about the Fair Employment Charter, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/EmploymentCharter   

The renovation of Stanley Buildings in Blackpool town centre is nearing completion, transforming previously disused space into a contemporary business centre to be named ‘The Robinson’.

The name is inspired by Blackpool Corporation’s former chief architect, John Charles Robinson, who between 1920-1944 designed many of Blackpool’s landmark civic buildings including libraries, schools, swimming baths, leisure facilities and tourist infrastructure.

Notable examples of his work include the Derby Baths and South Shore Open Air Baths, the Technical College on Palatine Road, Stanley Park’s Art Deco café, Cricket Club Pavilion and Golf Clubhouse. Several promenade features include the Solarium (now Solaris), the middle and lower walk Colonnades, the Cabin Lift and Bispham Tram Stop.

The triangular shaped Stanley Buildings was completed in 1935, replacing terraced housing.  It was set back in line with the adjacent Midland Bank to allow new tram lines for Church Street.

Its distinctive art deco faience tile façade and mosaics, in corporation cream and green colours, is still present in a number of heritage buildings in Blackpool today.

The original building comprised 26 shops at ground floor level with corporation offices above called Stanley Chambers.

The newly refurbished space comprises a range of flexible and affordable offices, meeting rooms and co-working ‘hot desks’ suitable for entrepreneurs and growth-oriented small businesses.

Modern facilities include ultra-fast fibre broadband, new kitchens, showers, a secure bike store and fully equipped meeting rooms.

Investment in air source heat pumps and solar panels is forecast to save over 64 tonnes of CO2 per annum, demonstrating Blackpool Council’s commitment to sustainability.

Wider investment in the building has included renewal of the roof, new windows, façade repairs, and as well as the installation of new shopfronts.

The building offers over 40 private office spaces, ranging from small suites for growing businesses to larger spaces for more established organisations. There are six meeting rooms for hire, perfect for anything from team meetings to client presentations.

The co-work space offers a vibrant and collaborative environment, with membership packages available for flexible or dedicated desk options, making it an ideal location for freelancers and remote workers who want to be part of a business community or who simply wish to work near home.

Business support will be readily available, with regular events and assistance from The Blackpool Growth Business Academy, including access to scale-up specialists.

The scheme is led by Blackpool Council, supported by Cassidy + Ashton architects; local construction company, F Parkinson Ltd, acting as main contractor; Bev Wood Design (BWD) as lead interior designer and Happy Creative as marketing and branding partner.

Well over 50% of the contract value is being spent with local suppliers, with additional social value benefitting the local community.

The project is part of wider plans to make the town centre more attractive to residents, businesses and investors, and making Blackpool better for everyone.

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

“It is a fitting tribute for the development to be named after renowned Borough architect, John Charles Robinson.

“He is responsible for the design of some of the town’s most iconic buildings and this is a perfect way to recognise the significance of his contributions.

“The Robinson embodies the optimism and forward-thinking energy of its era. This sense of history and legacy has been captured in the building’s branding, which combines the best of yesteryear with the promise of a bright, modern future.

“The works will secure the long-term use of the building and safeguard it for future generations of entrepreneurs.”

The £8.2m project has received £4.5m from the Town Deal, £3.1m from the council and £600k from the UK Shared Prosperity to support shopfront renewal and low carbon investment. It is expected to be completed in summer 2025.

Those interested in finding out more about office space, meeting rooms, or co-work memberships are invited to register their interest here.

Blackpool businesses can continue to receive free support thanks to an extension of existing funding.  The project extension has received £525,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

In October 2023, Blackpool Council launched two new business academy programmes offering tailored advice to new and growing businesses, and practical help to lower carbon emissions. Since then hundreds of Blackpool businesses across every single ward in the town have benefitted and received free support from at least one of the academies. 

The Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy has worked with 120 businesses to develop bespoke Decarbonisation Plans – on average the plans have identified savings of 47% on energy costs, 59% in emissions and £1m total savings. Some businesses benefitted from Eco-grants to help kick start their Net Zero journey. Implementations such as lighting sensors, EV chargers, freezer upgrades and solar panels have led to over 1,000 tCO2e of savings. 

The Blackpool Growth Business Academy has supported over 300 start-up businesses, provided growth and scale advice to 139 established businesses, developed 279 action plans through 1:1 support with a business advisor and hosted 57 workshops and masterclasses. This has led to the creation of 37 new businesses and almost 100 new jobs in new and existing companies.  

The funding, previously allocated through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) until March 2025, has now been extended allowing the business support programmes to remain in place for an additional year. 

This initiative continues to be fully funded by the UK Government through the Lancashire Combined County Authority, reinforcing the commitment to business growth and sustainability in Blackpool. 

The continuation of this funding means Blackpool businesses, whether they are starting, growing, scaling or decarbonising can continue to access support. Businesses that have already engaged with the programmes are able to re-engage to receive support tailored to their current needs. 

 The funded support represents an opportunity for CEOs, managing directors and senior leaders to receive specialist guidance, whether they’re looking to innovate, reduce their carbon footprint, or grow their operations sustainably. 

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment said: “We are pleased to confirm the continuation of these business support programmes, ensuring that Blackpool’s entrepreneurs and business leaders have ongoing access to personalised advice and mentoring. This investment reflects our commitment to economic development, job creation, and sustainable business practices. 

“We have received fantastic feedback from the businesses that we have supported during the first round of funding and we look forward to helping them and new businesses to grow in the coming year.” 

Through the Blackpool Growth Business Academy, businesses will continue to receive specialist growth support, and access to a range of relevant workshops. Scale up advisors will work closely with businesses to develop bespoke growth plans, helping them to adopt new technologies, refine processes, expand into new markets or launch innovative products. 

The Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy remains focused on assisting businesses with their decarbonisation plans. Sustainability specialists will offer continued guidance on carbon reduction, sustainable practices and lowering energy costs. This programme provides businesses with the practical guidance to reduce environmental impact and integrate sustainability into their operations while contributing to Blackpool’s green economy. 

Blackpool businesses can register their interest via www.blackpoolunlimited.com  

Development land at a major Blackpool business park expansion is set to become available this summer, potentially creating hundreds of new jobs on the Fylde coast.

Blackpool Council’s Executive has agreed to sell development land between Common Edge Road and Amy Johnson Way to businesses looking to expand or relocate.

The first round of plots will be available for sale from spring and access to the land for site investigations available from this summer.

A new £18.5m road connecting Common Edge Road and Amy Johnson Way is currently being built and is expected to open later this year.

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

“The Enterprise Zone is a major part of our plans to make Blackpool better by creating jobs for local people.

“By creating new development land, we will help Blackpool and Fylde coast businesses to grow and expand. We’re currently building the road to access this land and are making great progress. We expect this land to be popular with business in Blackpool who want to expand, and anybody interested should get in touch with the Enterprise Zone team as soon as possible.”

The plots range from 5,800sqm to 15,500 sqm and will be accessible from the new road. Each plot will benefit from a dedicated electricity supply and well as utilities and fast fibre internet connectivity. Outline planning consent for office, industrial and warehousing uses was granted in 2022.

The road is being constructed by George Cox and Sons and also includes widening of Common Edge Road to reduce congestion and a new access road into Oakwood Close. Funding for the road has been supported by a £7.5m grant from the UK Government, as part of the Blackpool Town Deal awarded in 2022.

Blackpool Council’s Executive also approved the continued £54.17m funding of new roads and infrastructure across the whole Enterprise Zone, as well as progressing plans to relocate airport infrastructure closer to the runway and pursue a masterplan for Silicon Sands – a new data and technology campus.

Silicon Sands would be a 40 acre site north of Blackpool Airport by Squires Gate Lane. Starting with a series of carbon friendly data centres powered by renewable energy, the area would embrace the growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create a technology campus for growing high performance companies, creating high growth jobs for the Fylde coast.

A new airport office and small passenger terminal is currently being built, with the released land being available for a new 6MW 36,000sqft data centre demonstrator as the first development at Silicon Sands.

Supported by a £2m grant from Lancashire Combined County Authority as part of the devolution deal, an outline planning application for the data centre is expected to be submitted this summer and investors being sought to fund the development.

Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone is already one of the north west’s premier business destinations with over 200 businesses and around 4,000 employees working from the area. Directly accessible from the M55 motorway, the enterprise zone also lies near Squires Gate train station and Starr Gate tram station and incorporates Blackpool Airport.

Blackpool Council is the accountable body for Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, which is a 144-hectare site across Blackpool and Fylde and is earmarked to create 5,000 new jobs by 2041.

For more information on the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, visit www.blackpoolez.com.

Blackpool Council has been promoting investment opportunities in the town at a major global property conference.

Blackpool Council Leader Lynn Williams led a small delegation to MIPIM – the world’s most influential property event – in France last week, placing Blackpool alongside other major town and cities from across the UK and rest of the world.

The Blackpool delegation promoted the town internationally to investors, as well as marketing two major investment opportunities: a carbon friendly data centre campus at Silicon Sands on Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, as well as Blackpool Central, a major leisure investment opportunity at the foot of The Blackpool Tower.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:

“Our £2bn growth and prosperity programme is already helping to make Blackpool better but we need more private investment to turbocharge that growth and create more jobs for people.

“I am determined that we attract more investment into Blackpool. That is the only way we will create more opportunities and jobs for local people, as well as improving where we live.

“We have a fantastic story to tell investors which is becoming increasingly recognised. Our visitor economy is worth around £2bn and supports over 20,000 jobs for local people, while our skilled people and leading skills institutions offer an attractive alternative for investors to expensive major cities like London.

“After a non-stop productive week of speaking opportunities, presentations and meetings, we will now continue to work hard to convert those conversations and contacts into local investment and jobs.”

Over 20,000 international investors and developers attend the conference every year, with Blackpool making its first major appearance this year. The Blackpool delegation formed part of media publication Place North’s collection of northern towns and companies, supported by Morgan Sindall Construction.

Blackpool’s promotion at MIPIM is the latest in a range of work to market the town to investors, following on from successful exhibitions at the UK Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UK REiiF) over the last three years.

It also continues a partnership with Place North that has included keynote speaking slots at key development conferences across the North West.

For more information about investment in Blackpool, visit www.businessinblackpool.com

Last year, Blackpool Council was awarded £90 million from the Central Government via Homes England to address the significant and longstanding issue of housing quality in the inner areas of Blackpool. This vital funding will support a comprehensive central housing regeneration scheme aimed at transforming the area with modern, affordable housing and local amenities.

The ambitious regeneration programme will replace old, substandard housing with high-quality, sustainable neighbourhoods that meet the diverse needs of the local community.

Over the next 15-20 years, this initiative will serve as a catalyst for attracting much-needed private investment and development, fostering a vibrant and thriving community.

The Council’s shareholder committee met on the 4th of March and approved the “red line” area which includes just over 350 properties. The approval of the area now means that detailed engagement with residents and business occupiers within the identified area can begin.  Approval will also enable formal contact with owners of land and property within the area to start negotiations to buy land and property by agreement.

The committee approved that parts of Ashton Road, Central Drive, Chadwick Street, Erdington Road, Grasmere Road, Harrison Street, Kent Road, Montrose Avenue, Princess Street, Rigby Road, Rydal Avenue and Salthouse Avenue are all within the redline boundary.

Those that live or have businesses in the affected area have received a hand delivered letter letting them know that they are in the area and providing information on next steps and contact details of engagement officers.

Initially there will be no immediate change, this is a long term regeneration scheme and the houses within the area will not be required immediately.

Councillor Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council said:

“Being able to share the area we intend to direct the first phase of funding toward marks a significant milestone for Blackpool – and is important information for local residents, property and business owners who are well aware that there is a plan for investment and transformation in the area.

“Our goal in the long term is to create new neighbourhoods that not only provide quality housing but also encourage private sector development and investment. This regeneration programme will play a crucial role in revitalising our community and improving the quality of life for our residents.

“We recognise that people who are finding out that their home or business is in the red line area will want further information about “what next” and I want to reassure them personally that we are sharing this information as early as we are able and in doing so, are able to say to people that nothing will change in the coming weeks and even months, this is the very start of our work to explore buying properties in the area by consent.

“Our team have invited those that are directly affected to drop in events to talk through any anxieties they may have.  Where we can’t answer a question on the day, we will ensure people get an answer as soon as possible.

“The housing-led regeneration programme will focus on creating a mix of housing types to cater to various needs, ensuring that the new developments are inclusive and sustainable.

“We have already delivered hundreds of quality, affordable, new homes across Blackpool, with Phase 3 of Foxhall Village delivering them to the Revoe area too.  The Council is committed to working closely with residents, stakeholders, and private investors to bring this vision to life.”

A planning application is expected sometime in the summer.

For those that live within the area, have a business or own a property there and would like to speak to someone they can call (01253) 477477 and ask for the central housing engagement team or email housingcentralregen@blackpool.gov.uk.

The Council has given its approval to enter into a £8m grant funding agreement with Ashall Hospitality (Blackpool) LLP. Ashall Hospitality will explore the viability of citing an Indigo Hotel at the listed former Abingdon Street Post Office.

The transformation is set to be a £26 million development of which an £8 million grant has been approved.

The Council applied for Levelling Up Funding, Round 2 (LUF2) in April 2022 for the refurbishment of the former Post Office on Abingdon Street into an Indigo branded hotel. The bid was initially rejected but then later approved in the Budget in March 2023, under capital regeneration funding (CRF) .

Since then officers have been working with Ashall Hospitality to continue with the scheme, reviewing the project and the design, in the context of rising inflation and interest rates and revising the delivery model to mitigate these risks.

Cllr Smith, Cabinet member for Economy and Built Environment said:

“This beautiful listed building is in such a prominent position in the town centre and holds much nostalgia for residents its essential we explore all opportunities to give it a new lease of life.

“It has been vacant for a long time now and I very much look forward to working with Ashall Hospitality, despite all the setbacks we have experienced and thank them for the tenacity and patience.

“We need to find a suitable use for this building and I am determined to seize the opportunity to bring it back into productive use.

“If the development is viable it will create new employment opportunities in the town whilst also maintaining one of Blackpool’ s many prized heritage assets”.

This Council will release the grant funding in two phases:

Phase 1 – Viability stage

Exchange of contracts on the building, whilst a number of surveys are carried out to determine viability of the scheme funded from the grant in instalments.

Phase 2 Post Viability stage

This element will incorporate completion of the building purchase and full construction phase using the balance of the grant funding.

The grant funding will be released in instalments further to the signing of the Grant Funding Agreement with the Council. The Council is and will remain the accountable body with the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government.

This project has received funding through the UK Government Capital Regeneration Fund (CRP”) further to a successful bid application.

Prospect Development NW has started construction at Plot 109, between Lancaster House and Lockheed Court on Amy Johnson Way.

Once complete, the 1.8 acre site will include warehousing and office space, ranging from 190 sqm to 400 sqm. Construction of the land is set to complete in autumn next year. Four of the units are already sold, with the remaining units becoming available for sale early next year. Construction is expected to complete later next year.

In addition, the site will provide parking for 60 cars, including electric vehicle charge points, bicycle storage and motorcycle parking. The site will also have a range of landscaping fronting Amy Johnson Way including trees and shrubbery.

The development is the latest in a line of private and public sector developments on the business park since it was granted Enterprise Zone status in 2016.

Over 200,000 sqft of new accommodation has been developed since 2016, with another 176,500 sqft refurbished. In total the Enterprise Zone is home to over 200 companies and around 4,000 jobs.

A new £18.5m road is expected to open in 2025, creating additional land for commercial development, as well as providing a second access road.

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

“Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone is becoming one of the North West’s premier business destinations, supporting thousands of jobs for people on the Fylde Coast. “Our commitment to invest in infrastructure such as the new road is creating an environment where the private sector is also investing in new business units, creating space for more companies to start and grow, and creating more jobs, boosting our local economy and making Blackpool better.”

The Enterprise Zone is a 25-year project between Blackpool Council and Fylde Council to attract quality jobs to the area for local people, with Blackpool Council so far committing up to £54m in infrastructure costs, along with support from a £7.5m grant from the UK Government towards building the new road.

For more information on the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and to stay up to date with, visit www.blackpoolez.com.

“Blackpool Central sits right at the heart of our plans to make Blackpool better for everybody. We’re committed to attracting a world-class leisure development that creates jobs for our local people, extends our tourism season to be all year round and supports our local economy to grow. “In the last five years at Blackpool Central, we’ve made more progress on this site than the 50 years before it since the Blackpool Central train station closed in the 1960s, largely paid for by the private sector without risking council tax payer’s money. “The road to regeneration isn’t always smooth but we will not stand still. We will continue our plans to demolish the courts and the police station early in the new year, in order to create a shovel ready site for a new leisure attraction. “We have very high standards for the type of attraction which this site needs and any future scheme will have to match those ambitions. To deliver on that we need serious investors and we will be heavily marketing this opportunity to get that international calibre of attraction.”