“A casino looks less likely than before,” Doug Garrett (pictured), chief executive of ReBlackpool, told delegates at the World Waterpark Association’s European Symposium, held recently in the town. “However, we delivered a masterplan for the town that has lots of different elements and that is still good today.” Garrett’s colleague Peter Hall has revealed that talks are now underway with potential developers of a more family-focused attraction, which could make use of the same Central Station site. One such project is Storm City, a 30-acre undercover entertainment venue spearheaded by Norman Wallis, a former marketing manager of Blackpool Tower. Substantial improvement work to the town’s promenade has already begun and plans have been announced for sculptures along the seafront and a ‘Northern Lights’ display using Blackpool’s often misty and overcast weather conditions as a backdrop for projecting light and images. Acknowledging that the existing Blackpool North train station “is not a particularly pleasant way to arrive,” Garrett also promised a new interchange area and tramline extension, including links to the town’s fast-growing airport. A proposal for a new civic building includes a glazed roof through which the landmark tower can be viewed. In the same area, an extension to the Houndshill Shopping Centre is already in progress. However, all hope is not lost just yet with regards to the super casino. The decision to award the licence instead to Manchester has not yet been rubber-stamped by parliament and a significant number of politicians are now recommending Blackpool’s case be reconsidered. It appears talk of the casino alone has been a sufficient catalyst for change across the resort, and all agree it is long overdue. Although it still attracts millions of visitors each year, they do not tend to stay in Blackpool for the length of time they once did.

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