Blackpool seeks funding for airport development

Blackpool Council is looking to secure £28.8m for the first stage of its Masterplan for the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

The Masterplan, approved in February 2018, sets out the 25-year lifespan of Blackpool Airport’s Enterprise Zone (BAEZ) status. The council says the BAEZ will utilise growth and business rates to deliver:

• 270,000sq m new floorspace
• An estimated 5,000 new jobs
• £300m private sector investment
• Over 280 new businesses on site
• Up to £2 billion of GVA (gross value added) to the local economy over the 25-year lifespan.

However, it’s clear from the Masterplan graphic that Blackpool Airport’s shorter R13/31 will be sacrificed. The main 1869m R10/28 runway looks unchanged.

Above, Blackpool Airport as it currently is. The Masterplan, below, loses the shorter runway.

The Masterplan is broken down into three broad phases of infrastructure activity.

Phase 1 will be mainly used to improve the basic infrastructure but will also see:

• Refurbishment of the 120,000sq m former Wellington Bomber Factory
• Reconfiguration of Blackpool Airport infrastructure
• Relocation of the existing offshore helicopter terminal
• New airport hangers built and occupied, releasing land for development along Squires Gate Lane frontage
• New airport navigational aids and control tower to support ongoing operations and provision of new aviation facilities.

Artist’s impression of what the Blackpool Aorport Enterrise Zone could look like.

Cllr Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Economic Development said, “The Enterprise Zone has the potential to dramatically change the economic landscape of the Fylde Coast and Blackpool Council are committed to delivering a premier business location within the north west that will sustain long term economic growth and investment.”

Blackpool Council Airport Masterplan