Developer chosen for Blackpool gateways project

11:21am Tuesday 19th August 2008

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ReBlackpool and Blackpool Council have appointed Carillion Capital Projects Ltd as the preferred developer for the second phase of road and environmental improvements for the new gateways to Blackpool.

Situated adjacent to Blackpool Football Club stadium, the second phase of the Central Corridor programme will upgrade Lonsdale car park, create a new pedestrian plaza nearby the stadium’s West Stand and reconfigure Seasiders Way between Bloomfield Road and Sands Way.

Councillor Maxine Callow, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Tourism, said: “The Central Corridor programme aims to create a first class gateway to the town from the M55 motorway.

"We want to create a distinctive image as visitors drive into Blackpool, a wow factor and a real sense of arrival.”

The second phase of works will build on the first, which delivered 650 car parking spaces and a new park which contains a children’s play area, a multi-use games area, a bouldering wall and two 20 metre high climbing towers.

It will use a new simple palette of high quality paving materials, street furniture and planting for the corridor to further enhance the entrance to the town.

“Millions of people drive into Blackpool every year.

"Some travel the route on a daily basis as they commute to work but the vast majority are tourists coming to Blackpool to enjoy themselves.

"This road is an excellent quick route and this second phase will definitely improve the welcome we give to our visitors.”

Doug Garrett Chief Executive of ReBlackpool said: “The continued development of the Central Corridor is another step forward in our programme to improve Blackpool’s arrival experience.

"It demonstrates our partnership approach to regeneration in which we work closely with the public and private sector to deliver pragmatic regeneration projects to make the town a better place to live, work and play.”

Carillion Capital Projects Ltd has extensive experience working in the public realm on highly visible projects, including the Edge Lane project in Liverpool.

Work is due to begin on site in mid September 2008 and should be completed by March 2009.