Proposals for a 35-acre sports village on Common Edge Road, part of the £28.8m first phase of development at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, have been lodged with the council.
Work on the project, which would feature 12 grass pitches, a full-size artificial rugby and football pitch with floodlights, as well as spectator facilities and a social pavilion, is targeted to start on site in January subject to council approval.
The development was designed by Preston-based architecture firm Cassidy + Ashton.
Part of the 81-acre first phase of work, the sports facilities would replace the existing Common Edge Playing Fields that are to be redeveloped to bring forward commercial space.
In total, Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone covers 355 acres including the former airport, which closed in 2014, and surrounding business parks.
Over the next 25 years, Blackpool Council aims to spend £70m on the enterprise zone to attract 140 businesses and create 5,000 jobs.
In July, the council announced that Multi-Ply Components, a Preston-based firm that makes carbon fibre products, would relocate to a purpose-built 40,000 sq ft unit at the enterprise zone.
Cllr Mark Smith, cabinet member for business at Blackpool Council, said: “The new sports facilities will be of huge benefit to many community junior and amateur sporting clubs.
“The redevelopment and relocation of the sports facilities at Common Edge Road mean that the next stage of development can move forward – the crucial opening up of developable land for further commercial investment on the Enterprise Zone, and the construction of a new access road and highways improvements.”
Lawrence McBurney, director at Cassidy + Ashton, added: “We have been involved with the architectural and town planning work at the Enterprise Zone since 2018. It’s great to now see the first phase of this masterplan come to fruition.
“The new development and improved facilities will enhance the sporting experience and sports training opportunities at the site for the local people. It will transform the area.”