Trevor Hemmings and His Investment in Blackpool

Trevor James Hemmings was one of the most influential businessmen in Blackpool’s modern history. Best known nationally as a property developer, racehorse owner and businessman, he played a significant role in preserving many of the town’s best-known attractions through a series of major investments during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.

Born in Woolwich, London, on 11 June 1935, Hemmings moved to Lancashire as a child and began his working life as a bricklayer before establishing his own successful construction company. During the 1960s, his business was responsible for building several holiday camps for Pontins, bringing him into contact with the company’s founder, Sir Fred Pontin. The relationship proved pivotal, with Hemmings eventually selling his construction company to Pontins in exchange for a substantial shareholding and a position on the company’s board. His involvement with Pontins continued to grow, and in 1987 he led a management buyout of the company from Bass for approximately £57 million. Although the business was sold two years later, Hemmings reacquired Pontins in 2000, demonstrating his long-standing belief in the British holiday industry and the enduring appeal of traditional seaside destinations.

Blackpool Transport Tram – 27 October 2020 © Alamy

A replica postcard showing ‘Greetings from Pontins Blackpool Holiday Camp’, part of a school 1970s Childhood memorabilia pack. © Alamy

Blackpool became a major focus of his investment strategy when he began assembling one of the largest private portfolios of Blackpool attractions in 1998. This included: Blackpool Tower, the Winter Gardens and the town’s three historic piers, South Pier, Central Pier and North Pier, marking a significant chapter in the resort’s modern regeneration. Through his company, First Leisure, Hemmings acquired a remarkable collection of the resort’s most famous attractions, including Blackpool Tower, the Winter Gardens, the Opera House, the town’s three historic piers, Louis Tussauds Waxworks and an interest in SeaWorld. At a time when many traditional seaside resorts faced increasing competition from overseas travel, these acquisitions represented one of the largest private investments in Blackpool’s tourism industry.

Hemmings (right) with John Inverdale at the National Hunt racing awards, Sandown. Image taken on 23 April 2011, by Kate Tann (Carine06) Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

Hemmings believed strongly in Blackpool’s future and hoped the resort could once again establish itself as one of Britain’s leading leisure destinations. His investment coincided with ambitious plans to regenerate the town, including proposals for a regional casino that, although never realised, reflected the scale of confidence he had in Blackpool’s long-term potential. Many of the attractions he acquired were later transferred into public ownership, helping to secure the future of some of Blackpool’s most important historic buildings and entertainment venues. His willingness to invest at a time of uncertainty ensured that several iconic landmarks remained at the heart of the resort rather than being lost through redevelopment or neglect.

Conservative leader David Cameron, at Uttoxeter races with multi-milliionaire Trevor Hemmings, left. Image taken on 2 November 2007. © Alamy

Away from Blackpool, Trevor Hemmings became one of Britain’s most successful businessmen, with interests spanning property, ports, transport and horse racing. He owned numerous Grand National-winning horses, including Hedgehunter, Ballabriggs and Many Clouds, further cementing his reputation as one of the country’s leading racehorse owners.

Trevor Hemmings died on 11 October 2021, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both British business and Blackpool’s tourism industry. His investment helped safeguard many of the attractions that continue to define the town today, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy some of Blackpool’s most recognisable landmarks.

Trevor Hemmings during the Grand Opening Day of the Crabbie’s Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. Trevor Hemmings, one of jump racing’s greatest supporters and the owner of three Grand National winners. Image taken 7 April 2016.