DCMS contributes £4m to realise Tower Festival Headland scheme
Blackpool council's £11m plan for a new outdoor performance and events space on the seafront aimed to help the town become the UK capital of dance has received a big funding boost from the government.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has provided £4m towards the Tower Festival Headland scheme, part of the three-year Sea Change programme to invest £45m in UK seaside resorts.
The 20,000-spectator Tower Festival Headland, which will be sited in front of Blackpool Tower, is intended to support the town's regeneration efforts, raising visitor numbers by giving the seafront a more contemporary feel.
Sir Howard Bernstein, chairman of ReBlackpool, said: “The Tower Festival Headland will embrace the town's heartland and raison d'etre, creating a festival and events zone that aims to generate excitement for both residents and visitors.
“An essential part of the town's regeneration masterplan, the investment will not only provide a new entertainment zone, it will provide new commercial and employment opportunities for businesses and residents of the town.”
The project is being undertaken through a partnership between Blackpool council, ReBlackpool, Defra and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NRDA).
Blackpool councillor Maxine Callow said: “The Tower Headland will provide something we have never had in Blackpool before. We are currently in position that we cannot hold some major events and performances as we don't have appropriate outdoor space available.
Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NRDA, said: “The new performance space and improved streetscape will complement work already being undertaken on Blackpool's promenade and will create a vibrant public realm that will benefit residents and visitors.”
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