The civil service hub, part of a £100 million development, will house over 3,000 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employees. It is designed to boost the town centre by bringing more workers into the area and supporting local businesses.

The £4 million from the government will be used to reduce borrowing costs for Blackpool Council, which has financed the project. The hub is set to open next year, with the council set to recoup its investment through a long-term lease with the DWP.

Councillor Lynn Williams, Blackpool Council leader, highlighted the hub’s importance: "The new town centre offices for the DWP will bring over 3,000 workers into the centre of Blackpool. This is a strategic project for the town, offering long-term benefits to the local economy."

Silicon Sands Initiative to Bring High-Tech Jobs

The remaining £2 million will be invested in the Silicon Sands initiative at Blackpool Airport, paving the way for a new low-carbon data centre. The site will leverage advanced connectivity through undersea Trans-Atlantic fibre cables that come ashore in Blackpool.

The funding will also help clear the site for development and replace outdated airport facilities, enabling further progress on the data centre. This initiative aims to attract high-quality technology jobs and investment to Blackpool, contributing to the local economy while addressing climate change.

Councillor Williams described Silicon Sands as a “forward-looking project,” adding: "It will bring a new industry and investment to Blackpool while also tackling the climate emergency at the same time."

Wider Regeneration Efforts

This funding forms part of a broader £20 million government investment to support the establishment of Lancashire’s upcoming Combined County Authority (CCA). Other projects benefiting from the funding include a £6 million innovation hub at Samlesbury Enterprise Zone and £6 million for the Innovation Quarter in Blackburn.

For job seekers in Blackpool and the surrounding areas, these developments represent opportunities in both public service roles and the growing tech sector. The projects are part of a long-term strategy to boost the local economy, create sustainable employment, and attract new industries to the region.

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