Funding Partners

A major £20m regeneration of The Blackpool Tower and Promenade in under way, 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 sees not only a major refurbishment of the Tower giving free access to common areas; but also the addition of two of Merlin's global attraction brands to the existing Jungle Jim's Children's Indoor play, world famous Tower Ballroom, and Circus. These are the grisly new Blackpool Tower Dungeon – with its unique North West twist; and the Blackpool Tower Eye – the newly refurbished Tower Top observation deck with the addition of an exciting 4D pre-show.

These will join the new multi million pound Madame Tussauds Blackpool, opened at Easter with its uniquely Blackpool flavour and lots of interactive fun for the whole family; Merlin's much loved existing SEA LIFE aquarium; and Pirate Adventure 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 Tower itself.

Add this to the planned 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. This plan is 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's involvement and their brands are already proving a catalyst to bring even more quality investment to Blackpool.