Debbie Thorn Director at Champion Accountants’ Blackpool
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INVENTION AND INNOVATION DRIVE
OPPORTUNITIES At Champion Accountants, we have a rich and proud local history, having traded in Blackpool and supported its growing business community since the 1960s.
Like our firm, the seaside town has witnessed significant change over recent years, not to mention it working to overthrow the shackles of a somewhat tarnished public image and an over- reliance on tourism.
Blackpool Central’s flying theatre concept
away. A plan will be needed to free up the magistrates’ court and police station site.
Looking to the start of the work, Richard says: “We are not going to start building the car park for another 15 months. We have to replace the car parking before we do anything else. We don’t want to impact on the rest of the town centre.
“The planning application will be a hybrid application. A detailed application for the car park and outline concept on phase one and two.”
Design will be an important part of the project, including the look of the new car park. “It has to look interesting and it has to look right for Blackpool,” Richard explains.
Another important element of the design process is making sure the view of Blackpool Tower is protected, so visitors can see the iconic landmark from wherever they may be as they arrive in the resort.
Richard says a major London-based design studio with a global reputation is working on the project, and he adds: “Some of the design ideas we have got are just fantastic.”
Experts have also been drafted in to look at the mix of attractions that will occupy the space – the rides and virtual reality experiences that will entertain visitors all- year round.
The funding for the project will also come in stages – with a number of different packages on offer for would-be investors.
Richard says: “In terms of funding, no one was ever going to fund this in one go. The strategy of breaking it down to bite-sized chunks is still the way to go.”
He is confident about the future of the resort, saying: “We are of the opinion that
Blackpool is about to go through a period of very strong change.
“The key to that is the local authority. They are very, very pro-active, they are very, very helpful. Blackpool Council is open for business.
“The council is showing ambition. They are very straightforward people to deal with. They have a desire to see the town improve and are realistic enough to know that ambitious projects take time.”
He adds: “We are having really detailed conversations with Blackpool about the scheme. We need to make sure it links into the town centre.
“This project is about the regeneration of Blackpool and creating jobs. And it is about creating an environment where people want to be, it can’t be an island.”
Richard also looks at other private investment that is coming to the resort. He says: “The Sands Hotel looking fantastic and there is private finance in there. Then there is the new Hilton at South Shore.
“If you have decent places to stay you will end up with people with bigger wallets coming to Blackpool.”
Norbert Reichart is chief executive of MIE. He says Blackpool Central is “going to have real ‘wow’ factor.”
“It is going to take the resort to another level. We really believe this will be an absolute gamechanger for the whole of the North West. We are looking to do something that is really world-class.
“This scheme will be beneficial for everyone in Blackpool. It will spark regeneration around the area.”
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The town suffered considerably during the financial crisis with a large percentage of the working population reliant on Civil Service roles, which were hit hardest. Yet out of adversity comes opportunity, with a number of those who lost their jobs going on to open their own businesses – many of whom we continue to support to this day.
There’s also been a significant rise in the number of high tech companies residing on the Fylde Coast, many of whom we’ve supported, along with those in other sectors, by delivering successful Research & Development Tax Relief claims, which have provided the financial boost to grow and invest into yet more innovation. This same diversification is visible when you examine our client portfolio, which spans a variety of sectors and business sizes.
It’s fair to say that Blackpool’s residents have a unique flair for reinvention and we’re confident that whatever the future has to hold will be viewed as an opportunity for innovation. One thing that remains true is that Champion will be here to support our clients in all their accountancy, tax and business needs and help maintain the town’s reputation as an outstanding place to do business and to invest.
For more information please contact: 01253 768718
blackpool@championgroup.co.uk www.championgroup.co.uk
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