The Government has announced the first seven towns of 101 places that will be offered a Town Deal. Between them, these towns will receive £178.8m to support regeneration and economic growth. Of particular interest to the holiday parks industry is the inclusion of Blackpool and Torquay.

Blackpool is to receive £39.5 million to be used to update the Blackpool Illuminations, for a return to tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic – they used to attract 4 million visitors and bring in £284 million a year – and to support the development of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

Torquay will have £21.9 million to modernise Torquay town centre, transforming it into a retail and leisure destination for people visiting, working and living in the town. There will be a focus on improving transport links and, in particular, walking and cycling routes.

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