Thursday, March 29, 2012

How Blackpool is reinventing itself

By Cordelia Hestletine


To some, Blackpool is synonymous with visiting the seaside, the pier, eating candy floss and going on all the fast rides. Many, however, know Blackpool as much more than this. With a rich history, vast entertainment and continually developing itself as a unique centre of popular entertainment, it is a vibrant and bubbling town.

However, Blackpool is continually searching to reinvent itself. Whilst retaining its core identity, it is looking to reinvent itself through a new master plan, which is pursued by the urban regeneration company, ReBlackpool. The company's aim is to renew economic, social and business opportunities in Blackpool in order to keep the town ahead of the game in the 21st century.

ReBlackpool have proposed a number of projects over the years that have slowly come to fruition. There are three main projects ReBlackpool are working on. The People's Playground Project is seeking to redevelop the 3.2km central promenade, transforming the central seafront into a year round urban park. This will include mythical playground for children and adults, which, according to the designers, is inspired by the idea of escapism. To compliment this idea they have created an otherworldly dunescape, using night virtual landscape and an aerial light show.

The other two major projects include Tower Festival Headland, focusing on providing new outdoor performance space. This will accommodate up to 20,000 spectators and has received backing through the Government's Sea Change Programme. And, finally, the Work on Regeneration by Light project, which seeks to redevelop the town centre lighting. This encourages visitors to explore the streets of the town centre. Completed in 2009, this also included a welcome beacon on top of Blackpool tower and architectural lighting of the town hall.

Though only some of the ideas planned by ReBlackpool to reinvent the city, they show how Blackpool is set to become one of the top seaside spots across the United Kingdom, holding its title. With the projects aiming for an environmentally friendly approach, they will also ensure Blackpool stays well ahead of the game and on top in the 21st century.




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