For many years now seaside resorts in the UK have been in a state of decline. Blackpool has been no different from any of the rest, as it has seen visitor numbers decline and tourism businesses struggle.

But Blackpool is fighting back!! In September 2002 the resort launched its Master Plan 'Vision for the Future' which looks to completely regenerate the resort.

International companies with wide experience in large-scale leisure resort developments were sought and resulted in the appointment of two companies JERDE and EDAW. JERDE, a Los Angeles based company, have undertaken projects world wide including the Bellagio Resort Hotel and the Fremont Experience in Los Angeles, the waterfront at Washington DC and a smaller project closer to home in Majorca. EDAW, another American company but with a high profile in the UK were responsible for the re-generation of Manchester city centre and have undertaken projects in other UK towns and cities, so fully understands UK requirements.

The aim of the designers is to make the most of Blackpool's tradition and to build on it. The likely relaxation of the UK's Gaming Laws may allow for the introduction of large Resort Casinos in the style of those in Los Angeles. But Blackpool's regeneration will not be just about gambling. The JERDE/EDAW drive is to make Blackpool THE tourism destination in the UK and the Conference Centre for the North West.

This Master Plan is a blueprint for the resort over the next 20 years, but whilst some of the larger projects are likely to take many years to come to fruition much has already started.

£4.4 million pounds has already been spent on the South Promenade (south of the Pleasure Beach). Another £4 million has been spent on completely modernising the Sandcastle Waterpark, turning it into a world class water park.

Another £14 million was approved and has been spent on the complete regeneration of Blackpool's Central corridor, the link between the Central Car Park and the Motorway. This work is an exciting and imaginative design incorporating car parking, children's play areas, green spaces and new housing.

And that's not all. Blackpool's Hounds Hill Centre has undertaken a major facelift, culminating in the opening of Debenhams Department Store in 2008.

So - you don't have to wait for the Master Plan to be finished - come this year and see what's happened already.