Blackpool MP spells out regeneration challenge (From Blackpool Citizen)

Blackpool MP spells out regeneration challenge

8:58pm Monday 20th August 2007

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Tonight Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden outlined his response to Blackpool's Regeneration Task Force.

Speaking on the principle and practice of regeneration Mr Marsden addressed the town's Civic Trust in the council chambers at Blackpool Town Hall.

In his speech Mr Marsden made some key suggestions for policy-makers "Blackpool has a proud heritage as a holiday resort and it offers unique experiences for visitors, but is in urgent need of regeneration."

Mr Marsden said: "The challenge which has always faced Blackpool is to create a virtuous circle of investment, profits, skills and jobs.

"In the past this has been successfully done by a combination of private entrepreneurship bolstered by public sector support.

"The challenge now is to renew our town with a sustainable economic motor - crucially attracting private sector investment - to power economic regeneration for the future."

Mr Marsden commented: "Blackpool's problems are painfully exposed in its housing situation. There is an urgent need to address the poor quality and overcrowded housing which dominates much of our accommodation infrastructure. Landscaping for housing is increasingly important and Blackpool should take advantage of the Labour Government's focus on housing investment and look at attracting both public and private money to upgrade our housing stock."

Mr Marsden said Blackpool must develop a vision for its public spaces "Sensitive development and design which inspires people is just as important. We have to create intelligent designs and landscapes for our town centre and seafront which are environmentally sustainable as well as functional.

"To address this I have suggested reducing VAT on repairs and restoration - this would bring into use new living space which would ease housing pressure and conserve worthwhile buildings.

"I have also suggested a council tax or business rates relief to those landlords who are willing to create new living spaces and charge affordable rents."

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