Decision details

Peter Hibbert from the consultants Jacobs presented a report on the independent assurance of the Full Business Case in support of the Blackpool Tramway Extension funding application.

The Committee was informed that the scheme would provide a new link from the current tramway on the Promenade adjacent to the North Pier along Talbot Road to Blackpool North station.

The project was predicted to deliver high value for money with a benefit to cost ratio of 3.07.  In addition, the scheme was expected to generate between 11,500 and 20,000 additional visitor trips to Blackpool per annum, generating between £29.5m and £50.9m of Gross Value Added (GVA) benefits over the 60-year project appraisal period.

The total project outturn cost was expected to be £23.4m, with the LEP contributing £16.4m through the Lancashire Growth Deal.  It was noted that Blackpool Council's S151 officer had provided a letter confirming the council's commitment to fund the balance together with any overspend. 

Having undertaken an independent assessment of the Full Business Case submitted by Blackpool Council, Jacobs confirmed they were satisfied that the project had been developed to the expected standard and that Blackpool Council had addressed all of the conditions attached at Conditional Approval in April 2016.

It was therefore recommended that, subject to the Secretary of State confirming the Transport and Works Act Order, the scheme be granted ‘Full Approval’ status to enable construction to take place between April 2018 and July 2019.

Resolved: That the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Board be recommended to grant the scheme Full Approval.