Tag: Community

Blackpool CAN

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Blackpool CAN is also called Blackpool Community Action Network. Through the pandemic Blackpool Council and the Blackpool VCFSE sector have seen the critical value of thriving communities. People helped and supported others around them. Local government and health services developed stronger relationships with their local community, often facilitated by the VCFSE sector. Towns and cities with a thriving VCFSE sector supported by infrastructure organisations were able to put forward a better coordinated, stronger response. In the current economic climate, small locally based VCFSE organisations need support more than ever and it has been determined that there is a need to… Read more »

Social Enterprise Solutions

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Based in the most deprived ward in the country, Social Enterprise Solutions is a community organisation that acts as a beacon of hope for many. Working primarily in the north west of England Social Enterprise Solutions CIC has successfully delivered enterprise support to individuals, community groups, charities, the private and the public sector in the development of social businesses. As thought-leaders in social enterprise, the team have initiated and driven a national approach to establishing Social Enterprise Places working in collaboration with Liverpool Hope University, Social Enterprise UK, Co-operatives UK, RBS and The Royal Society of Arts. Social Enterprise UK… Read more »

Blackpool RNLI Lifeboat Station

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Blackpool Lifeboat Station, located on the Central Promenade just south of the iconic Blackpool Tower, is a crucial part of the RNLI’s operations. Established by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in 1864, this station plays a significant role in safeguarding lives at sea along the busy Blackpool coast. Unique among RNLI stations, Blackpool Lifeboat Station is one of only two in the country to host three inshore lifeboats: an Atlantic 85 and two D class lifeboats. This diverse fleet is equipped to handle a range of maritime emergencies, from rescuing individuals in distress to providing support during severe weather… Read more »

Blackpool North Train Station

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The station in its current form opened in 1974, replacing an earlier station located a few hundred yards away on Talbot Road, which had first opened in 1846 and was rebuilt in 1898. The present station incorporates the 1938 concrete canopy that once covered the entrance to the excursion platforms of the former station. Blackpool North was part of the InterCity network until 2003, when Virgin Trains withdrew HST and Voyager services to London Euston and Birmingham. Services from Blackpool to London Euston, previously operated by the local franchise holder First North Western, were subsequently discontinued. Blackpool’s other station, Blackpool… Read more »

Blackpool Civic Trust

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Established in 1975, Blackpool Civic Trust is dedicated to fostering excellence and nurturing a strong sense of community spirit throughout Blackpool. The Trust is deeply committed to celebrating and preserving the town’s rich heritage while actively engaging in shaping its future. It serves as a pivotal organisation in promoting Blackpool’s historical significance, cultural vibrancy, and development for residents of all ages. The Civic Trust’s work encompasses a wide range of interests related to Blackpool. It plays a crucial role in advocating for the preservation of the town’s architectural and cultural landmarks, ensuring that its historical character is maintained amidst modern… Read more »

Lytham YMCA Sports Hall

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The YMCA was originally established in 1922, operating from a modest hut on Squires Gate Lane. During the Second World War, it played a crucial role in supporting troops, providing much-needed services and facilities for those stationed in the area. As its impact grew, so did the need for larger premises, leading to its relocation to St Alban’s Road in Lytham St Annes, where it could better serve the community. Today, YMCA Lytham has evolved into a multi-purpose leisure centre and sports facility, located at the far end of Lytham. The centre caters to individuals of all ages and abilities,… Read more »

The Harbour Mental Health Hospital

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The Harbour, a state-of-the-art mental health hospital located just outside Blackpool, UK, was officially opened by Alastair Campbell in October 2015. This modern facility, which provides 154 beds, represents a significant investment in mental health services for the region, addressing the growing need for specialised care and support. The £39.5 million project was developed for the Lancashire NHS Foundation Trust, forming part of the trust’s broader commitment to improving mental health infrastructure and patient care in the area. Delivered through a public-private partnership with Red Rose Corporate Services, the hospital was built under the Department of Health’s NEC-based Procure 21+… Read more »

Whitegate Drive Health Centre

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Whitegate Drive was selected as the location for a state-of-the-art health centre, deeply embedded in the local community, and designed to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the area. This £20 million project, completed in 2009, represented a significant investment in public health infrastructure, aiming to provide modern, accessible medical services to the local population. The decision to build on Whitegate Drive was influenced by several strategic factors, including its central location within the community, ease of access for residents, and the potential to offer a wide range of healthcare services under one roof. Spanning an impressive 80,000 square feet… Read more »

The Old Post Office

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The Central Post Office on Abingdon Street is a significant architectural and historical monument that reflects the development of postal services and communication in the 20th century. Designed by prominent architect Walter Pott, the building first opened to the public on November 8, 1910. Pott’s design for the post office embraced the Edwardian architectural style, blending functional civic space with decorative flourishes typical of that era. The structure quickly became an important part of the community, serving as a bustling hub for mail distribution and communication for nearly 100 years. As technological advancements in communication began to reshape society, the… Read more »

Blackpool Central Library

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Central Library is a notable public library located in a historic building that also houses the Grundy Art Gallery. The building is Grade II listed, recognizing its historical significance. The site was chosen in 1908 on Queen Street, with funding from artists Cuthbert and John Grundy from Bury. Construction began in 1909 and was completed in 1911, with the design by the Scottish firm Cullen, Lochhead and Brown. After a major renovation costing £3 million, the library reopened on 26 September 2011, just in time to celebrate its 100th anniversary a month later. The building features an Edwardian Baroque style… Read more »