THE chair of Blackpool's regeneration company is stepping down to head up a major bid to develop an extension of the Blackpool tramway taking trams all the way to Preston.
ReBlackpool chief Professor Sir Peter Hall will be bidding for European funds for the plan, which would involve a hybrid tram which switches from electric to diesel power to run on non-electrified railways like the South Fylde line.
The revolutionary new technology was launched in the German city of Kassel last August.
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And ReBlackpool is going into partnership with Kassel and with West Flanders, which has a similar coastal tramway to Blackpool's, to test the new technology in parallel with a national technical test.
Professor Hall said: "After nearly four years in the chair at ReBlackpool, helping to develop the casino bid and then the post-casino regeneration strategy to rebuild the town's economy, published in our Blackpool Task Force report to government last summer, I think it is time to move on.
"Meanwhile, provided our bid is successful, and I am confident that, fully supported by North West Development Agency and other partners, it is more than good enough - I will focus on delivering the next stage of development of the Blackpool Tramway as part of the regeneration of the town."
The Leader of Blackpool Council, Councillor Peter Callow, paid tribute to Professor Hall, saying: "He has been a driving force in developing the strategy for the renewal of the town.
"The Council is grateful for his invaluable contribution, his love of Blackpool and continuing involvement with this great resort.
"We wish him all success with the new tramway project. "
hello
it sounds fantastic that you will be able to travel from balckpool to preston by tram.
will blackpool transport have to withdraw the old trams from service or will they still be able to run if so can you tell me how far along the line they will be able to travel
thanks
hello
it sounds fantastic that you will be able to travel from balckpool to preston by tram.
will blackpool transport have to withdraw the old trams from service or will they still be able to run if so can you tell me how far along the line they will be able to travel
thanks
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