Blackpool Council plan to develop a 'Be Who You Want To Be' area in Claremont

The Council's executive is being asked to consider a plan of action to develop the new zone, which aims to celebrate diversity and promote equality and inclusion in the town.

The action plan follows a number of focus group discussions and a survey launched by the council and its partners, which include The Blackpool North Shore Business Group, Renaissance Charity, LGBTQ+ Facebook Friends, hotelier’s group BAGS and Pride Blackpool back in October 2023. 

There is already a long-established LGBTQ+ community and history in the area, but this new scheme is set to enhance it further. 

The council say the Claremont region is particularly important to them in terms of supporting equality, inclusion and celebrating diversity in Blackpool.

They highlight the importance of ensuring this area is safe for all to 'be who they want to be,' to socialise and celebrate inclusion, difference and diversity without the risks of homophobic or other discriminatory abuse.

It is hoped the planned development will help catalyse the regeneration of the area and also build a more inclusive culture in the wider town.

Themes that have emerged from the survey feedback such as diversity, vibrancy, sense of place and the need to improve existing cultural facilities in the area such as Central Library and the Grundy Art Gallery have informed the cultural development section of the action plan.

The following key 'themes,' have been identified: 

• Public Realm – centred around cleanliness, highways, green spaces, street lighting and illuminations.
• Safety and Security – centred around CCTV, Street Angels, community policing and premises management,
• Arts, Heritage and Culture – centred around public art, development of Grundy Art Gallery and Central Library, working with LGBTQ+ artists and communities, community and visitor events and activities, including street performances and festivals.
• Young People – centred around ensuring the youth voice is always heard, as well as exploring options for a young people’s LGBTQ+ community space asset within the area;
• Health and Wellbeing – centred around accessible health care services to the LGBTQ+ community, particularly mental health, transgender needs assessment, sexual health clinics, NHS talking therapies and social care strategy and policy.
• Governance – centred around developing an overarching ‘Friends Group’ for the area, LGBTQ+ Forum and enforcement activity in the area related to Public Protection. 

Councillor Jo Farrell, Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, said: "This is another step forward in developing this area into a place where people really can be who they want to be.

The engagement and ideas we have had back from various different sections of the community has been fantastic and I am really looking forward to the seeing this action plan being put into operation and all the elements starting to come together."

Tim Allan, Chair of the North Shore Business Group, said: "There is a real buzz of excitement that North Shore will gradually be revitalised and a new vibrancy will emerge.

“I want Claremont to feel safe and diverse so that everyone can always ‘Be Who You Want To Be’. It is all about inclusion and equality.

“The action plan will build on Blackpool’s LGBTQ+ history and heritage and will support the health and welfare of our community. It will also give a voice to the young people in our town as they are the future.

“The initiative is designed to support and improve businesses in the area, including both the daytime and night time economy. I hope it will attract significant new investment and will attract more visitors into the North Shore part of Blackpool. 

“The time is right to develop the identity of this area further and improve it for the benefit of everyone. Council Leaders are fully behind the initiative and are determined to make it work. On behalf of the business community and all those who live in the area, we need to work together - because together we will be stronger.”