Blackpool Borough Council have agreed to a submission for cash from the European Regional Development Fund for a feasibility study into the possibility of introducing tram-trains in Blackpool and onto the South Fylde railway line. The idea was originally revealed back in February by ReBlackpool the local regeneration group and now the Council have agreed to back the plans.
The study would cost around £3.8 million with the money coming from the European Regional Development Fund and matching funding from the Northwest Regional Development Agency. The bid is a partnership between Blackpool and schemes in Germany, Holland and France.
Doug Garrett, ReBlackpool Chief Executive, said: “A bid has been put together for money which would enable us to look at the feasibility of this project. It would put us in the position of having the information we need to allow us to progress with a scheme of this nature or to look at viable alternatives."
As well as the feasibility study a £1.3 million bid is being prepared to look at the best way of building a new tram depot in an urban setting. This money would come from Europe as well as the funding already in place for the tramway upgrade.
The bids are currently being prepared and both should be submitted by September.
Source: Blackpool Gazette