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Developers Reveal Blackpool Resort Plans13 March 2003LOS ANGELES -- (Press Release) -- Internationally acclaimed architecture and urban planning firms The Jerde Partnership and EDAW today revealed their master plan concept for making Blackpool, England, an international resort destination. The master plan, formally adopted by the Blackpool Borough Council at a public meeting last night, includes a comprehensive strategy for rejuvenating the 200-hectare site and features four resort casinos, a major new entertainment complex, state-of-the-art conference facilities, an aquarium, high-quality shopping, infrastructure improvements and landscaping. (Editor's Note: Blackpool master plan images and other project images can be found by visiting the press section of Jerde Web site. After recognizing the urgent need to restore tourism to the once popular resort town, the Council recruited Jerde and EDAW to supplement its own team of visionary professionals to draft the master plan last year. The Blackpool regeneration plan coincides with a new national campaign launched by the British government to reverse a decline in tourism. The once popular tourist spot dates back to the 1700s and has been passed over by Britons and overseas travelers alike in favor of Mediterranean destinations. The master plan injects new life into existing landmarks like the Illuminations light show, the promenade, Pleasure Beach, rebuilding the town's historic tram, restoring Victorian architecture and creating new green spaces. "The proposal presented today combines a realistic master plan driven by an investment in experience with an integrated regeneration strategy that will boost overall national and international tourism for the U.K.," said Tim Magill, senior vice president and designer at The Jerde Partnership. "The new Blackpool is poised to bring lasting social, cultural and economic value to both the entire region and locals alike." The formal adoption of the master plan kicks-off a four month consultation period during which the public is invited to weigh-in on the proposed concept. This public input will help shape the final plan slated to be completed by September 2003. Redevelopment will begin this year and the total vision for the new Blackpool will be realized over the next 15-20 years. The Council has already put mechanisms in place for work to begin on redeveloping the town's entrance from the main highway, M55. A multi-phased approach will be developed to complete the final plan. "We strove to capture the spirit of the existing town in our master plan by including innovative future developments, as well as ways to restore and revamp the existing attractions," said Bill Hanway, managing director of EDAW UK. "We believe this approach is essential to transforming Blackpool into a 21st century, world-class resort that is differentiated in the highly competitive tourism market." Council officials believe that the proposed relaxation of gaming laws in the U.K. could be a powerful catalyst for regeneration but stress that gaming is only one component of their strategy and not required for the regeneration plan to be successful. The liberalized gaming laws will be presented during the annual Queen's speech, a royal address usually held in November, which outlines the British government's agenda for the year. The Jerde Partnership is a visionary experience architecture firm that builds innovative places which deliver memorable experiences, attracting millions of people everyday. As the firm that pioneered "placemaking," Jerde projects have consistent and lasting social, cultural and economic value throughout the world and promote further investment and revitalization. Jerde is based in Los Angeles, and has been designing large-scale, mixed-use, retail and urban district projects worldwide for 25 years. The firm has received critical acclaim from organizations including the American Institute of Architects, Progressive Architecture, American Planning Association, The Chicago Museum of Architecture and Design, and the International Council of Shopping Centers. Jerde has more than 30 projects in process in Europe, Asia and the United States. |