BLACKPOOL must take the Mancunian way to success if its masterplan is to really take off.

So say two of the key consultants who helped in the city's regeneration and who are now helping to rebuild Blackpool

"THE first part of the job is always fun," says Bill Hanway: "The hard part comes down to finding a way of delivering."

Mr Hanway, an American who moved to take over the company's UK office eight years ago, helped to drive forward the regeneration of Manchester since the bombing, a scheme which involved £1 billion in public funding.

He recognises that, without the people of Blackpool, regeneration simply will not happen.

"Blackpool is a special project because of the scale of work that is involved. We also have to make sure the work is benefiting the local population and is sensitive tot heir needs."

Jim Chapman runs EDAW's Manchester office and was one of the key figures behind the highly successful Commonwealth Games.

"One of the great successes of the Manchester Commonwealth Games was getting the people who live and work in the town to be part of it.

"There was great concern in Manchester when we bid for the Olympics and Commonwealth games because of the costs involved.

"If you ring anyone in Manchester and ask them about the Commonwealth Games now you won't hear any concerns about cost.

"It wasn't just the men in grey suits who enjoyed it - it was everyone."

As with Manchester, public green space will form a key part of the Blackpool regeneration. The design will also see the creation of something like 300 new town centre homes, to bring the centre back to life, again an idea which proved successful in Manchester.