In September 2017, Blackpool Council bought Blackpool Airport after it was faced with the threat of closure. The airport is an integral part of the future development of the Enterprise Zone. Established in 2016, Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone is a 144 hectare site and is one of the largest in the UK. Over its 25 year lifespan it will transform the economic base of Blackpool & the Fylde Coast and position itself as a premier business location in the North West. The approved Enterprise Zone Delivery Plan estimates that the land released by the relocation of the airport operational facilities, together with the new airport facilities, could generate investment to support 2,156 new jobs, £34m retained business rates growth to support further investment and £374m value added over the life of the Enterprise Zone.