A BRAND new purpose built conference centre is at the heart of an ambitious multi-million pound plan to revitalise Blackpool's tourism industry.

The £93 million plan, co-ordinated by Blackpool Challenge Partnership, involves developing new conference facilities, improving hotel accommodation and revamping major landmarks like the Tower.

Efforts would also be made to attract more events to the town and encourage higher standards for tourist provision.

Residents would benefit by a plan to tackle crime through community safety programmes and improve health by launching a healthy living centre.

The BCP group is seeking £20 million from central government to fund the project with the rest of the seven-year investment coming from other public and private sector sources. The plan, which is supported by Leisure Parcs and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, would create 2,000 jobs and has now been submitted to the Government for approval.

Blackpool Challenge Partnership manager Alan Cavill said: "We have worked long and hard on this bid and we are optimistic it will be approved. The primary aim is to provide a better quality of life for people in the town by regenerating the tourist industry.

"If it's successful everybody in the town will benefit -- the local community and the thousands of tourists who visit each year.

"We believe Blackpool could have a very vibrant, prosperous future, comparing favourably with other European resorts."

The bid has now been submitted to the Government for approval and a decision as to whether it has been successful or not is expected in August.