The Blackpool Tower and Promenade
A major £20m regeneration of The Blackpool Tower and Promenade was completed in 2011, developed by Blackpool Council in partnership with global visitor attractions operator, Merlin Entertainments, with funding from the North West Development Agency, the European Regional Development Fund, Homes and Communities Agency and the Council.
Phase One of the project was completed in September 2011 and saw not only a major refurbishment of The Blackpool Tower giving free access to common areas; but also the addition of two of Merlin Entertainments's global attraction brands to the existing Jungle Jim's Children's Indoor play, world famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom, and The Blackpool Tower Circus. These are the scarily funny Blackpool Tower Dungeon – with its unique North West twist; and The Blackpool Tower Eye – with refurbished Tower Top observation deck and exciting 4D cinema expereince.
The Blackpool Tower was joined by Madame Tussauds Blackpool, a new multi-million pound investment which opened in Easter 2011 with its uniquely Blackpool flavour and lots of interactive fun for the whole family; Merlin Entertainments's much loved existing SEA LIFE Blackpool; and Pirate Adventure Mini Golf attraction – all just further down the Promenade.
Ongoing further refurbishment is planned including an exciting glass canopy on the entrance; and further works to the interior. This will be funded primarily through contributions from the commercial takings of The Blackpool Tower itself.
Add this to the Comedy Carpet, Wedding Venue and other Promenade developments and the exciting new investment is guaranteed to make this area a "must do" destination for all family visitors. The plan at the heart of the Council's investment plans to bring over 800,000 more visitors to Blackpool, and take what is already one of the best loved, and most iconic, seaside destinations in Europe into the premier league as an exceptional new family holiday destination.
As both parties had hoped, Merlin Entertainments's involvement and their brands are proving a catalyst to bring even more quality investment to Blackpool.
