Tag: Government

Art B&B Opens its Doors on the Promenade

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Art B&B first opened its doors in 2019 after Blackpool Council purchased the former Ocean Hotel on the promenade between Banks Street and Springfield Road for £203,000 in 2016. The traditional Blackpool B&B has been transformed and reimagined by over 30 established and emerging artists, who have curated the 19 rooms and communal spaces to offer a truly unique stay. As a community business, Art B&B reinvests its profits into arts and community projects, making it a distinctive boutique hotel designed to engage and inspire guests. The team behind Art B&B took a tired seafront hotel and entrusted its decor… Read more »

Blackpool Town Centre Forum

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Blackpool Town Centre Forum originated from consultations and discussions between Blackpool Council, major and individual town centre retailers, Blackpool Police and various other stakeholders covering Blackpool town centre. Over a two year period, these initial consultations were headed by Robin Wood, the council’s Chief Officer for Executive Services. Chris Hurley, the then manager of Midland Bank, was to take on the Chairmanship of the Forum’s steering committee. The objective was to create a town centre management partnership to address the challenges facing the town centre in terms of retail and commercial decline, security, cleanliness and environmental issues, all highlighting the… Read more »

Blackpool Business Leaders Group

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The Blackpool Business Leadership Group (BBLG) was formed in 2006 with the goal of fostering collaboration between the private, public, and third sectors to support Blackpool’s economic growth and regeneration. Initially a small collective of business leaders, the group has expanded significantly and now includes around 250 leaders from across the Fylde Coast. Its core mission is to drive engagement from the business community in the town’s regeneration and to simplify and enhance business support systems. It also aims to involve the private sector in broader enterprise initiatives. Under the leadership of Martin Long, following the long-standing tenure of Philip… Read more »

Mel B Switches on the Lights

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Mel B expressed how privileged she felt to be chosen to switch on the Blackpool Illuminations, a moment she described as especially meaningful due to her deep connection to the resort. The Spice Girls singer, who once lived in Blackpool as a teenager, recalled her early days as a 16-year-old dancer in the Mystique show at the Pleasure Beach. This experience marked her first professional job before she rose to global fame with the Spice Girls. Reflecting on her childhood, Mel B shared fond memories of her family visiting the Illuminations every year in their “clapped-out car,” sitting in traffic… Read more »

Department for Work and Pensions Head Office

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has a significant presence in Blackpool, with one of its key head office sites located in the town. This site plays a vital role in supporting the department’s operations across the UK, particularly in areas related to welfare provision, pensions, and social security systems. Blackpool’s DWP offices are housed primarily in Warbreck House and Peel Park, both prominent locations for administrative and operational work within the department. Warbreck House, located near Layton railway station, has been a longstanding base for DWP activities in Blackpool. This multi-storey office complex accommodates thousands of employees who… Read more »

Geri Halliwell Switches On The Lights

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On 3 September 2004, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell took centre stage in Blackpool to perform before activating the Blackpool Illuminations in a grand celebration of their 125th anniversary. This milestone year, dubbed “125 Electric Light Years,” paid homage to the enduring legacy of this iconic annual event. Geri was joined on stage by an array of star performers, including chart-topping boy band McFly, Fame Academy sensation Lemar, former Savage Garden frontman Darren Hayes, 1980s hitmakers Swing Out Sister, and the cast of Boogie Nights, featuring entertainers Jimmy Osmond and Billy Pearce. The event was a dazzling spectacle hosted by… Read more »

Blackpool Street Sculpture

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Blackpool’s decision to include statues and public art in the town centre was part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the town, which began in the early 2000s. This initiative was driven by a desire to modernise Blackpool and attract new visitors while also enhancing the experience for locals. With the decline of traditional seaside tourism in the UK, the town recognised the need to diversify its appeal, using public art as a tool for urban regeneration and cultural enrichment. The introduction of sculptures was seen as a way to create more attractive and engaging public spaces, with the aim… Read more »

Fleetwood Health and Wellbeing Centre

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The landmark healthcare facility, constructed in 2012, spans three floors and accommodates a variety of healthcare services, including GP surgeries, Nurse Practitioner treatment rooms, mental health services, x-ray rooms, dentistry, NHS training suites, and a large pharmacy. The building’s design is a noteworthy example of blending modern architecture with its environment, ensuring the new structure complements the existing street scene while incorporating modernist architectural elements. This careful integration of contemporary detailing with the surrounding area highlights the facility’s commitment to both functionality and aesthetic harmony. The facility not only meets the needs of its patients through a diverse range of… Read more »

Moor Park Health & Leisure Centre

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Moor Park Health & Leisure Centre was opened in June of 2011. The facility is situated in the heart of Bispham in the North of the town and brings together a range of different services all under one roof. In addition to all our leisure facilities listed below, Moor Park is also home to a Library, Cafe, and numerous health services. • 25m 6-Lane Swimming Pool • Family Learner Pool • Gym • Exercise Studio • Indoor Cycling Studio • Feel Good Factory • Sports Hall • Family Swimming Pool Changing Rooms • Health & Fitness Changing Rooms • Outdoor Basketball… Read more »

Sir Andrew Palmley Served as Lord Mayor of London

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Sir Andrew Charles Parmley, KStJ, born on 17 October 1956 in Blackpool, is a distinguished British educator, musician, and public servant. He is currently the Principal of the Harrodian School in Barnes, London, and is perhaps best known for his tenure as the Lord Mayor of London from 2016 to 2017. The third of three sons, Parmley was educated at Blackpool Grammar School, which has since become Salvation Army Citadel, is where Parmley developed an early passion for music. He began playing the organ at a young age and achieved significant early success, passing the Associate of the Royal College… Read more »