Contrary to most reports, the supercasino wasn't the only game in town for Blackpool. The seaside town is coming out fighting, finds Neil Tague
First off, says Doug Garrett, chief executive of urban regeneration company (URC) ReBlackpool, it isn't a Plan B. "We've got a plan and we've had that plan since 2003. The supercasino was a part of that," he says. "Yes, the decision's sad and disappointing. It would have provided a quick win and a quicker route to investment.The process has been delayed but it doesn't change our desire to achieve what we've set out to."
That's fighting talk, which frankly is good to hear at a time when all that's being asked is: "Where can Blackpool possibly go from here?" On 30 January, with television cameras ready to roll, BBC Radio Lancashire reporting live from the top of Blackpool Tower as the 11am announcement neared, the atmosphere was feverish. The comedown was swift and brutal.
"The community reacted with a real sense of loss," says Garrett. "People were stopping me in the street to commiserate. I can't believe that was the reaction in Glasgow or Sheffield, there was a real sense of injustice.
But life throws you changing situations and we have an adaptable masterplan for that very reason."
There are some 60 projects across the borough under ReBlackpool's remit. The URC moved swiftly onto the PR offensive in the weeks following "C-Day," announcing that LDA Design had been selected to deliver the People's Playground project that will redesign the 3.2km promenade. It's a necessary project that can be used as a springboard to revitalise the thoroughfare.
"Blackpool grew up because of its coastal location but is now disconnected from the sea and the beach is underused. We need to build new sea defences and this project will create six new headlands 60m deep, but it will also allow us to change how the area works. The lighting will be extraordinary and could be visible from the M6," says Garrett.
ReBlackpool, LDA and partners will now finalise a submission for The People's Playground to Big Lottery's Living Landmarks Programme, which is awarding £3140m across the UK to initiatives that inspire communities to revitalise and regenerate places.
For Blackpool though, perception problems remain and that starts at the gateway sites. People arriving at Blackpool North railway station currently could be forgiven for turning round and the sorry state of retail in the area offers a picture of a town that's given up. It's a priority, says Garrett.
"We've already progressed work at arrival points like the airport - which is hugely important for both inbound and outbound travel - the southern promenade and the M55, but the area around Blackpool North is not attractive," he says. "We've shortlisted Amec, St Modwen and a joint venture between Richards and Carillion.
All have proposed extensive masterplans and our preferred develop will be announced soon. It's a totally private £3230m scheme, primarily retail, led by a supermarket, with law courts, civic offices, housing and a focus on addressing existing retail."
The other main project is of course, the proposed casino site itself, at the former Central station. "We're in discussion with the landowner and have a number of proposals for the site. It needs to deliver something dramatic to attract a wider market to Blackpool," says Garrett.
Whether that will include a conferencing facility that could yet keep lucrative political conferences by the seaside Garrett cannot confirm. But he is all too aware of Blackpool's need to put itself in the market for middle class spend.
"Historically, Blackpool wasn't built just on factory workers, but management too - the different piers were built specifically with different depths of pocket in mind," he says. "What we want is not to yuppify Blackpool but to add to the offer. There are plenty of hotel operators and investors we're talking to and are keen to support in improving Blackpool's offer."
Although it's not officially game over yet for Blackpool - the Casino Advisory Panel's recommendation is yet to be accepted by Parliament, a change of government may change the "one test supercasino only" edict, while judicial reviews are always a possibility - Garrett says the town is ready to move on.
"The community is incredibly supportive. In our stakeholder meetings there's been no finger-pointing," he says. "We need now to invest in our product, raise the quality threshold and refuse to let this decision stop us. It's been a wake-up call."
Also in: March 2007
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