Once earmarked as the site for a Vegas-style super-casino, Blackpool’s famous Golden Mile is at the centre of a £300m multi-phase investment project, designed to bring world-class attractions and increasing visitation numbers to the city.
The biggest single investment in the region in over a century is a collaboration between UK-based development company, Nikal Ltd, and Media Invest Entertainment, with proposals suggesting 600,000 additional visitors per year, bringing a combined annual spend of £75m.
The Blackpool Central project pledges experiences unlike anything else in the UK, with inspiration drawn from Chariots Of The Gods, that explores alien encounters and unsolved mysteries of ancient civilisations.
Phase one of the 17-acre site is to set debut in 2024, incorporating several attractions, such as a thrill and gaming zone, virtual reality experience and The UK’s first Flying Theatre, lauded as a major attraction in various global locations are promising “a fully-immersive thrill ride that will create the incredible sensation of human flight”.
Work is slated to begin on the site in 2020, and is to encapsulate several phases over an eight to nine year initial time frame.
Councillor Simon Blackburn, Blackpool Council leader, explained: “I am delighted to be able to announce this hugely significant milestone in the redevelopment of the Central Station site. This really is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that has the potential to alter the face of our town.
“Over more than fifty years, many ideas for this site have come and gone. The difference this time is that we have worked very hard with our fantastic partners at Nikal and MIE for almost two years to create a scheme that is not just aspirational, but highly deliverable.
“These new attractions are of ground-breaking international quality and their cutting edge technology will take Blackpool’s tourism offer to another level.
“We already have, to my mind, the best amusement park in the UK, in the form of Blackpool Pleasure Beach. These new attractions will allow thrill-seekers to enjoy their visit even more, will attract new visitors, and encourage existing visitors to stay longer. They will create jobs, regenerate a part of the town that is in need of love and attention, and boost trade.
“This new development, alongside the other investments taking place in the town, represent a game-changer for our visitor economy. We have long stated that a key objective is to create a year-round destination that delivers year-round employment. Blackpool Central will play a major part in that ambition.”
Revealing details of the project, Blackpool Council unveiled the below promotional video.
