The Challenge

• Claremont, in Blackpool, is one of the top ten most deprived wards in the United Kingdom.
• Key issues include crime, poor environment and a housing stock dominated by 1-bed flat conversions. 
• A key aim for this project was to improve opportunities for young people. Supported by LPA Design, we were commissioned by Blackpool Council and youth charity Magic Club, to prepare a Vision to support funding bids.

Our Solution

• We engaged with the local community and a wide variety of stakeholders, to facilitate the preparation of a community-led vision. 
• The masterplan we developed included a number of key elements:

1. 14 opportunity sites for new residential development. 
2. Street enhancements and refurbishment. 
3. A 'Wellness Walk' safe route to school. 
4. A consolidated and enhanced local centre at Egerton Square. 
5. Opportunities for new community enterprises and start-ups. 

The Results

• The Vision included an Action Plan of projects with both priorities and partners identified. This was indicatively costed and the Vision was supported by a viability analysis. This will support funding discussions with Homes England. 
• We also engaged with landowners and developers about opportunity sites identified in the Vision.