The Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone has taken a double step forward after the masterplan was given the green light. The proposal went in front of both Blackpool Council and Fylde Council with the site covering both authorities – spanning a huge 144 hectare. The zone aims to create 3,000 new jobs and attract around £300m of private investment with its offer of tax and rates rebates.

It’s likely to form part of the conversation at our Lancashire Development Plans Conference where Nick Gerrard, Growth and Prosperity Programme Manager at Blackpool Council, is set to speak.

The plan which went in front of the councils has been tweaked, taking on feedback from previous consultations with members of the local community and businesses. One of the concerns was that new commercial buildings may not be as integrated into the local community, and that the airport’s runways should be retained for aviation purposes. The report highlights the concerns saying: ”Where reasonably possible the master plan could be amended to address amenity concerns from nearby residential properties. The master plan should be changed to increase the area or distance between the proposed airport operational buildings and the residential properties along the Western boundary.

The Enterprise Zone will be one of the largest projects of its type in the UK, providing a mix of office, industrial, retail, hotel and leisure space. A series of developments would run over a 25-year period and documents outline a series of developments including a 10-acre bus depot, a 80-bedroom hotel, and a training college. The Enterprise Zone is also expected to host a range of industrial units, with design and build opportunities for projects between 540,000 sq ft and 10,800 sq ft. Other potential developments include a gym, pubs, restaurants and residential.

To hear about this and other exciting developments in Blackpool and the rest of the region join us at the Lancashire Development Plans Conference. We’ll also be joined by Preston City Council, Cushman & Wakefield, Taylor Wimpey and One Public Estate (Cabinet Office & Local Government Association).