Public consultation event for Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone set to start
A public consultation event to view plans and proposals for the development of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone (EZ) is to get underway.
It will take place from noon until 4.30 pm on December 1 at the newly completed Lancashire Energy HQ, a key early development within the EZ.
The event has been organised following Blackpool and Fylde Councils releasing a draft Masterplan for the site.
There will be opportunities at Lancashire Energy HQ to speak to those involved in developing the Masterplan as well as those responsible for taking the development forward in the future.
The consultation closes on December 21.The Masterplan will then be finalised before being presented to both authorities for adoption in early 2018.
The 144 hectare EZ has a programmed 25 year lifespan and aspirations to host 3,000 new jobs, secure in excess of £300m of private sector investment with 180 plus new businesses locating to the site.
Since going ‘live’ the Government backed EZ is now home to over 200 businesses and around 1500 employees.
Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Economic Development, said: “Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone is one of the Council’s biggest projects as part of its Growth and Prosperity Programme. Working jointly with Fylde Council it is playing a key part in delivering Blackpool Council’s vision for jobs and growth in the area and supporting the economic ambitions of Fylde.
“We need to have a sound and detailed Masterplan framework in place to support the successful delivery of significant growth at the site, as well as provide confidence for existing and new businesses looking for an exciting place in which to prosper.
“I am delighted that we will be welcoming people on the 1 December to Blackpool and the Fylde College’s Lancashire Energy Headquarters which opened this year and is a flagship development within the EZ.
“It is important that we hear the views and thoughts of businesses, residents, stakeholders and potential investors about the future strategy for the site. Our extensive public consultation will provide us with important feedback to help finalise the Masterplan and we urge people to share their opinions.”
