Author: Ed

Blackpool Tower & Ballroom

Posted by

Blackpool Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in the United Kingdom, officially opened its doors to the public on 14 May 1894. At the time of its inauguration, it was celebrated as the tallest man-made structure within the British Empire. Standing at an impressive 518 feet (158 metres), it was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris and remains an enduring symbol of innovation and entertainment. Today, it ranks as the 125th-tallest freestanding tower in the world. Blackpool Tower is more than just the tower itself; it is the focal point of the Tower Buildings, an elaborate entertainment complex…

Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre

Posted by

Penny Farm, located near Blackpool, is one of the UK’s leading equine welfare centres. Officially opened in June 2001 by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, the facility has since rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed over 1,000 horses and ponies. Operated as part of an international charity, Penny Farm embodies a commitment to improving the welfare of horses while fostering a deeper understanding of the horse-human bond. Through its rehoming scheme, the farm not only provides a second chance for rescued animals but also engages communities in responsible horse ownership. The organisation behind Penny Farm operates with a mission to enhance… Read more »

Morecambe & Wise Statue

Posted by

The bronze statue of beloved comedians Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise was unveiled by their families at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens theatre, a fitting tribute to the iconic duo who graced the town’s stages over 1,000 times during their illustrious career. The 8-foot-tall monument was sculpted by Graham Ibbeson, the artist behind the Eric Morecambe statue on Morecambe’s seafront. The statue commemorates the 75th anniversary of the pair’s first performance together in 1941, celebrating their lasting legacy as Britain’s most cherished comedy double act. Eric’s widow, Joan, attended the unveiling alongside their children, Gary and Gail Morecambe. Gary remarked that Blackpool… Read more »

Blackpool’s Abingdon Street Market

Posted by

Abingdon Street Market in Blackpool reopened on 27 May 2023 after a long period of closure, bringing new life to the area. With its eclectic mix of independent food vendors, bars, and coffee shops, it has quickly become a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The market has exceeded initial expectations for footfall and business projections, and the operating team, The Little Blackpool Leisure Company, is excited to continue developing the space. Their focus is on expanding the market’s retail offerings and rolling out further phases of recruitment to attract more independent retailers, while continuing to offer unique entertainment… Read more »

Blackpool Street Sculpture

Posted by

Blackpool’s decision to include statues and public art in the town centre was part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the town, which began in the early 2000s. This initiative was driven by a desire to modernise Blackpool and attract new visitors while also enhancing the experience for locals. With the decline of traditional seaside tourism in the UK, the town recognised the need to diversify its appeal, using public art as a tool for urban regeneration and cultural enrichment. The introduction of sculptures was seen as a way to create more attractive and engaging public spaces, with the aim…

Blackpool Premier Inn

Posted by

On Valentine’s Day in 2009, Blackpool’s town centre was shaken by a dramatic fire that consumed Yates’ Wine Lodge on Talbot Square. The blaze, which quickly engulfed the three-storey building, caused severe damage to the historic structure. Yates’ Wine Lodge, a beloved local landmark for over 140 years, was reduced to rubble, and the iconic gilt signage that had once adorned its exterior was lost to the flames. The fire required the efforts of numerous fire crews from across the Fylde Coast, who battled the blaze for hours before it was brought under control. The destruction left a void in… Read more »

West Street Car Park

Posted by

Blackpool’s West Street Car Park, built in 1938, was one of the UK’s earliest multi-storey car parks, designed to accommodate the growing number of visitors arriving by car. The facility offers 187 spaces, divided into 177 car spaces, 9 blue badge spaces, a free motorcycle bay, and an electric vehicle charging bay (32amp, 22kW), with charging priced at £1 per hour in addition to the parking fee. The car park has a height restriction of 2 meters (6’6″). For those using a satnav, the postcode for the car park is FY1 1HA. Parking charges apply at all times, with payment… Read more »

Talbot Road Car Park

Posted by

The original building, constructed in 1937, was initially slated for demolition and replacement with a new car park. However, Parking Matters collaborated with the design team to create a comprehensive refurbishment scheme that preserved the structure while modernising its functionality. The renovation included structural glass cladding mounted on a stainless steel skeleton, new pedestrian cores, upgraded lifts, sustainable lighting systems, and innovative architectural lighting that complements Blackpool’s renowned Illuminations festival. The design brief carefully defined space standards, lighting, equipment specifications, and finishes, transforming the space into a state-of-the-art car park. In 2007, Muse Developments was selected as Blackpool Council’s development… Read more »

Blackpool Civil Service Hub

Posted by

At the time of writing this post, the new Civil Service Hub in Blackpool had not yet been completed, but it had already reached its highest point, making it the tallest office building in the town. This £100 million, 215,000 sq ft development, located near Blackpool North train station on King Street, is being delivered by Blackpool Council in collaboration with nationwide developer Muse and contractor VINCI Construction. The hub is part of Blackpool’s £350 million Talbot Gateway redevelopment, which aims to bring over 8,000 professional workers and students to the town centre, helping to rejuvenate the area. The building…

Blackpool Street Art

Posted by

The introduction of street art to Blackpool’s cultural scene has been significantly influenced by the Blackpool Urban Art Festival (Sand, Sea and Spray), which has played a crucial role in showcasing and promoting contemporary urban art within the town. This annual festival, established in the early 2010s, was a key driver in transforming Blackpool from a traditional tourist destination into a vibrant canvas for modern artistic expression. The Blackpool Urban Art Festival was conceived as a means to breathe new life into the town’s public spaces, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists to display their work. The…