Big step forward for Silicon Sands project that could bring bring thousands of jobs to Blackpool

Masterplan aims to create a digital and technology campus

An ambitious digital-led technology and data campus project expected to bring thousands of jobs to Blackpool has taken another huge step forward.

Plans for a 34,000 sq ft “technology exemplar building” based at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone will be able to press ahead after being approved by planers at Fylde Council.

The new amenity will be part of the Silicon Sands masterplan, which aims to create a digital and technology campus for internet reliant businesses, tapping into Blackpool’s position near the Celtix-Connect2 cable which provides a third of the world’s internet across the UK, USA and northern Europe at ultra-fast speeds.

Blackpool Council, which is driving the project, is working with Lancaster University on the three-storey data centre, research and development, and office exmpler complex.

The project will use state-of-the art technology to employ sustainable cooling methods which will save energy, unlike other “resource-hungry” data centres.

It is expected that the exemplar building will be the first of several data centres based at the Silicon Sands site, which is owned by Blackpool Council but falls under the auspices of Fylde Council.

The examplar building, which will have a capacity of 6MW; there is already provision for two larger data centres 10MW and 30MW on the site.

The data centres will make the area more attractive for businesses which require access to high speed and low latency data, such as advanced manufacturing, gaming, telehealth and medical technology industries, which will lead to mass job creation.

Councillor Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, added: “This is a major step forward for our plans at Silicon Sands and a significant financial commitment from SP Electricity North West.

“Silicon Sands is a key part of Blackpool Council’s plan to make Blackpool better for the people who live here. The masterplan will take years to build, but the result could be thousands of highly paid jobs in growing industries for the people of Blackpool and the whole Fylde coast.

The planning green light follows confirmation of a major multimillion-pound investment programme which will transform the electricity network in Blackpool is well underway.

SP Electricity North West will soon start the construction of a new 33,000-volt substation, part of a wider £7.5m investment in the town.

The new substation will be located on land close to Blackpool Airport and will help power future development within the Silicon Sands masterplan at Blackpool Enterprise Zone.

Engineers have already laid 5.6km of underground duct which required the use of specialist equipment to protect heritage tramways.

The significant engineering project will enhance capacity across Blackpool while also ensuring the power network will be able to support the town’s long-term plans for economic growth and job creation.

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