Neighbourhood Renewal (Shaping the Place)
Ward profile of Central
Fylde is generally seen as an affluent area, with low levels of unemployment, quality housing, low crime and is seen as a desirable place to live. However, whilst there are no actual defined areas of deprivation there are pockets which need addressing before areas fall any further behind.
Using the Indices Of Deprivation (IMD) published by Communties of Central Government we have been able to identify these areas. The ‘Shaping the Place’ project provides the mechanism for progressing neighbourhood renewal in these areas. Whilst we will be dealing with areas on an ongoing basis the first area to be addressed will act as a test bed for future work.
Hove Road Park
The area identified as most in need of renewal is St Albans Road, within Central Ward. As well as formal data supporting this selection, other agencies such as Fire and Rescue, Police, PCT, Works and Pensions etc. had also identified this road as an area for improvement.
The overall aims and goals achieved:
- To attract inward investment and growth
- To reduce the indices of deprivation
- To enhance the physical appearance of the area
- To improve the street layout and improve parking
- To improve the quality of the housing stock
- To provide a more comprehensive recycling service
- To reduce nuisance and disorder
- To increase employability through training and development
- To improve the area and restore confidence of both the Community and Business sectors
Hove Road Park prior to regeneration
The Shaping the Place project group was made up of all sectors of the community, together with multi-agency partners such as:
- Fire and Rescue
- Police Western Division
- North Lancashire PCT
- Lancashire County County
- Job Centre Plus
- Blackpool and Fylde College
- YMCA
- District and Town councils
Some of the work of this group was actioned and delivered by other LSP theme groups such as; Crime and Disorder is being addressed by the Community Safety Partnership and the employability aspect is being driven by the Enterprise and Employment group.
The area now has an enhanced by physical appearance with improved street layout and parking, improved the quality of the housing stock and increased employability through training and development. This has addressed a number of PACT issues, reducing the fear of crime.
Hove Park
A survey was carried out after the project was completed, the results were:
| 94% considered ‘Shaping the Place’ has had a positive effect. |
| 32% more were satisfied with the area as a place to live and work, totalling 90% |
| 83% thought the improvements to Hove Rd Shoppers Car Park were very good or good |
| 68% thought the improvements to Hove Rd Park were Very Good or Good |
| 90% thought the Quarterly newsletter was a good idea |
| 83% thought the Quarterly newsletter was effective at keeping them informed and involved |
| 79% thought the improvements to street furniture was Very Good or Good |
Football Pitch Hove Park
Pictures of before and after the project can be found within Gallery: Shaping the Place.
