Go-ahead for Blackpool FC community sports village

Blackpool’s planning committee granted the club permission last Tuesday for the development of public football facilities around Bloomfield Road Stadium, after securing £6.5m from Blackpool’s Towns Fund for the project.

Currently comprising a surface car park and storage facility, the 5.5-acre brownfield site is located next to Blackpool Football Club’s ground. 

Avison Young submitted the plans on behalf of Blackpool FC for two enclosed community sports pitches, sports pavilion, and storage facility.

A full-sized, 11-a-side artificial grass pitch will be built adjacent to an FA-sized five-a-side pitch, surrounded by viewing space for spectators. 

Floodlighting will surround the periphery of each pitch. Halliday Lighting is advising on the lighting proposals.

The storage facility currently on site will be demolished, and a replacement 4,300 sq ft ground staff facility will be built. The single-storey building will provide equipment and separate fuel and chemicals storage space, as well as a separate office and lounge area.

A single-storey pavilion will provide two team changing rooms and separate facilities for match officials.

Architect Open has drawn up the plans for the development, which also include a public plaza and fan zone. The outside space will serve both the community pitches and Bloomfield Road Stadium.

The existing car park will be relocated to create 160 car parking spaces, including eight accessible and 12 EV charging bays. Pedestrian and vehicle access will be provided via Seasiders Way and Field Street.

The sports village will be operated by the Blackpool Community Trust. The charity will work with schools to provide their pupils with the facilities.

The development forms part of the wider Revoe Community Sports Village project – part of Blackpool’s Town Deal for which Blackpool received £39.5m from the Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities.

TPS Transport Consultants is advising on transport. Lynas Engineers is advising on flood risk and drainage strategy.

Blackpool Council’s reference number for the application is 22/0859.