Author: Ed

The Cliffs Hotel

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The Cliffs Hotel occupies a prominent position on Queen’s Promenade in the North Shore area of the town. Built in 1921, the hotel is an impressive example of Baroque-style architecture, featuring a striking combination of red brick and yellow terracotta. Its distinctive gables, adorned with horizontal stripes, add to its architectural charm. Currently owned by Choice Hotels Ltd, the Cliffs offers 160 bedrooms, maintaining its reputation as a significant destination for visitors. In 1936–37, architect Halstead Best undertook a major expansion of the hotel, including the addition of an underground car park. By this time, the property had grown to… Read more »

The Savoy Hotel

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The Savoy Hotel, situated just north of Gynn Square, stands as a fine example of early 20th-century hospitality architecture. Constructed in 1915, this iconic establishment belongs to a series of grand red-brick and red-terracotta hotels built around the turn of the century. Designed by architect T. G. Lumb, the Savoy Hotel’s bold and sophisticated design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also underscores the durability of its materials. In 1935, the hotel underwent a notable expansion with the addition of a sun lounge, crafted from Hathern’s cream faience. This enhancement, executed by T. G. Lumb in collaboration with architect… Read more »

The Imperial Hotel

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The Imperial Hotel, originally part of the Puma Hotels Collection, is a distinguished 4-star establishment situated on the northern promenade. Established in 1867, this magnificent Victorian red-brick building was erected on the site of what was once Claremont Park before its conversion into a hotel. Over its long history, the hotel has seen multiple changes in ownership. It was managed by Barceló Hotels for many years before being taken over by The Hotel Collection in June 2014. In 2017, the hotel embarked on a new chapter when it was acquired by Singapore’s Fragrance Group for £12.8 million. Famed for its… Read more »

The Viking Hotel

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The Viking Hotel in Blackpool, established in 1924, has been a significant fixture on the town’s South Shore for nearly a century. Built during a period of significant growth in Blackpool, the hotel was designed to meet the needs of an increasing number of tourists flocking to the seaside resort. From its early years, the Viking Hotel has been known for offering high-quality accommodations and a range of amenities. As Blackpool developed into a major destination for entertainment and leisure, the Viking Hotel played a key role by hosting various events and performances. Within the hotel, “The Talk of the… Read more »

Queens (Hydro) Hotel South Shore

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The Queen’s Hotel, established in 1852, holds a prominent place as a historical landmark in South Shore, boasting a rich and diverse past. Initially constructed as a hotel, it provided accommodation and amenities to travellers, showcasing the spacious and refined architectural style characteristic of mid-19th-century establishments. By 1856, however, the Queen’s Hotel underwent a transformation, becoming the College Français, an educational institution designed to serve French-speaking students. This change from a commercial venture to an academic facility reflected the community’s increasing demand for specialised education. The College Français symbolised a pivotal era in which educational institutions adapted to cater to… Read more »

Morrisons at Squires Gate

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The Morrisons store at Squires Gate in Blackpool, located on Squires Gate Lane near Blackpool Airport and the South Shore area, has been a staple in the community since its opening in October 1991. As one of the larger supermarkets in the area, it has become a key shopping destination for both locals and tourists. The store is strategically located near major roads and public transportation routes, making it easily accessible for residents across Blackpool and the surrounding areas. Its proximity to Blackpool Airport and other notable landmarks adds to its convenience, particularly for visitors and holidaymakers in the South… Read more »

Tesco Extra’s Expansion

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The store first opened its doors in the early 1990s, but in 2008, it underwent a major expansion. This move was part of Tesco’s broader strategy to increase its market presence and offer a more extensive product range to customers. Tesco Extra stores, which are larger than standard Tesco supermarkets, provide a wider selection of items including groceries, clothing, electronics, and household goods. The Clifton Road expansion involved significantly enlarging the existing store (as highlighted by the image below showing a noticeable roof extension). This expansion aimed to meet growing customer demand and enhance the shopping experience by modernising the… Read more »

The Start of Jaguar Cars in Blackpool

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Sir William Lyons was a pivotal figure in the British automotive industry and co-founder of the Jaguar car company. He was born on 4 September 1901 in Blackpool and attended Arnold School. From there he obtained an engineering apprenticeship at Crossley Motors in Manchester, where he also studied at the technical school. Lyons played a crucial role in shaping the design and engineering of some of the 20th century’s most iconic cars. He began his career by co-founding the Swallow Sidecar Company in 1922 with William Walmsley. Their first factory, located at No. 5 Bloomfield Road, was home to the Swallow Sidecar… Read more »

The Impact of William Cocker

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William Cocker, the first mayor of Blackpool, was a significant figure in the town’s history, serving from 1876 to 1879. Born in 1824, Cocker was part of a family deeply involved in local business and public life, which positioned him to play a crucial role in Blackpool’s development. His tenure as mayor was marked by his dedication to transforming Blackpool from a small coastal village into a major tourist destination. Before becoming mayor, Cocker was a member of the Local Board, the town’s governing body before it achieved borough status. His leadership during this time was pivotal in decisions that… Read more »

Blackpool’s Lancashire Constabulary

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The West Division Police Headquarters in Blackpool, completed in July 2018, is the central hub for Lancashire Constabulary’s operations in the western part of the county. Located on Clifton Road, this modern facility was designed to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of policing in Blackpool and the surrounding areas by bringing together various functions that were previously spread across multiple locations under one roof. The headquarters is a state-of-the-art building focused on functionality, security, and sustainability. It incorporates energy-efficient materials and systems to reduce environmental impact. Inside, the facility is equipped with the latest technology to support a broad… Read more »