BESIDE THE SEASIDE, BESIDE THE SEA: LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD “There’s a famous seaside place called Blackpool, that’s noted for fresh air and fun…” (Edgar, 1931). So began the poem made popular through the 1930s, when Blackpool attracted more than 10 million visitors every year and its entertainment venues could seat more than 60,000 people every night (Brodie & Whitfield, 2014). Indeed, throughout much of the 20th century, Blackpool was Britain’s most popular seaside resort with a host of attractions, a thriving economy and a huge cultural identity. Sadly, Blackpool began its decline in the latter half of the 20th century and is now noted for being tired and old fashioned. It holds the unenviable title of the most deprived local authority area in England (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, 2019). Its majority white, working-class population suffers from high rates of ill-health and crime, unstable seasonal work, unemployment and poor housing. However, as a fourth generation Blackpudlian, I know that there is more to the town than the negative headlines would suggest. Many iconic and beautiful cultural sites remain but they are poorly connected, and the generic town centre landscape has no sense of place or arrival. A strategic plan which links and celebrates these sites and designs space to promote and develop Blackpool’s rich heritage and culture is key to this proud town’s revival. Culture-led regeneration is supported in academic theory. Culture is increasingly being considered as a fundamental part of planning and regeneration strategies (Evans, 2001). Whereas traditional urban planning focuses on the form of a place, cultural planning emphasises the meaning of a place (Pløger, 2001). This culture-led approach also permeates landscape design as there is a lasting and recognisable influence on the form and function of spaces where cultural activities occur (Evans, 2001).
The vision for Blackpool is to transform the town into a diverse and inclusive arts and culture leisure destination and to improve the quality of life for its residents. This is delivered through three main strategies: 1. Promote cohesion and connection between cultural sites. Strategic and local routes connecting cultural sites are improved with engaging and active edges. A number of new culture-focused landmarks draw people through the site and create a sense of place and arrival. 2. Provide residents and visitors with access to good quality greenspace with a cultural focus. This is achieved through the creation of an accessible and multifunctional 4.5 hectare parkland in the town centre promoting new cultural activities. Additionally, a significant increase in tree cover and planting across the site creates a green network. 3. Provide space and facilities for community, culture and leisure activities. Existing cultural hubs are enhanced by improving their surrounding landscape. The community is engaged in the creation of new landmarks and there is a dedicated community garden within the new parkland. Bottomup interventions are encouraged, and creative and cultural businesses are supported. New facilities on the seafront enhance existing seaside leisure activities and introduce new ones. Blackpool could not, nor should not, try to recreate its past. The town’s motto is ‘Progress’ and for this much-loved seaside resort this means moving forward, celebrating its past whilst providing for a new generation of visitor.
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