Tag: Landmarks

Blackpool Council

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The Municipal Building The site on Corporation Street, FY1 1LY, previously occupied by Boots the Chemist, became an extension to the Town Hall in 1977. This building is primarily used for Blackpool Council offices and the DWP Job Centre Plus. It also serves as a customer service point with facilities like interview desks, computer access, and phone terminals. It houses various council departments and staff, handling a wide range of services for residents, such as bin collections, council tax, and more. This is also where job seekers can access support and services related to employment and benefits. The New Office… Read more »

Blackpool War Memorial and Cenotaph

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The Blackpool War Memorial and Cenotaph, erected in 1923, stands as a poignant tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in conflicts, particularly World War I and World War II. Located in a prominent position on Blackpool Promenade, within the Town Centre Conservation Area, this imposing monument is both a symbol of remembrance and a central feature of Blackpool’s historical landscape. Crafted from durable stone, the cenotaph’s design reflects the gravitas and respect typical of war memorials from its era. It features classical architectural elements that evoke a sense of solemnity, with inscriptions and symbolic elements such as wreaths and… Read more »

Metropole Hotel

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The Metropole Hotel, a striking red-brick building at the northern end of Blackpool’s promenade, began construction in 1776 and officially opened on 14 June 1785. With its beautifully updated Victorian façade and modern amenities, the hotel offers an ideal seaside retreat, featuring breathtaking views across the Irish Sea that set it apart from many other accommodations. Amidst the town’s numerous lodging options, the Metropole Hotel stands out for its exceptional seaside location and competitively priced rooms. As shown in the blue plaque image below, the building wasn’t always called the Metropole. The hotel boasts 223 traditional bedrooms, each equipped with… Read more »

The Grundy Art Gallery

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Grundy Art Gallery first opened its doors to the public in 1911, quickly becoming a cornerstone of Blackpool’s cultural scene. The gallery was made possible through a generous donation from brothers John and Sir Cuthbert Grundy, both talented artists, who gifted over 20 paintings alongside a financial contribution. Their generosity laid the groundwork for what would become one of Blackpool’s most significant artistic landmarks. The concept for the gallery originated in 1908 when Blackpool Council, inspired by the Grundy brothers’ bequest, commissioned the building as a permanent venue for displaying visual art. This forward-thinking decision underscored the town’s growing commitment… Read more »

The Wedding Chapel

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The Wedding Chapel, located inside the £2.7 million Festival House on Blackpool’s iconic Promenade has become a beloved spot for couples to tie the knot, with Kelly Goudie and Simon Garrick being the first to exchange vows there on January 12, 2012. Since that inaugural ceremony, The Wedding Chapel has hosted around 5,000 weddings, with a further 350 already scheduled for 2022, continuing its tradition as a premier wedding destination. Originally known as Festival House, the venue was officially renamed The Wedding Chapel in June 2014 to better reflect its primary function. The building itself is an architectural landmark, designed… 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 »

Little Marton Mill

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Little Marton Mill is a prominent Grade II listed landmark located in Marton, Blackpool. This 19th-century English tower windmill, constructed in 1838 by John Hays, played a vital role in the local agricultural economy, primarily serving as a corn-grinding mill. For nearly a century, it was an essential part of the community, but it stopped working in September 1928. Blackpool Born Cornelius Bagot restored it, and in 1937 gave it to the Allen Clarke Memorial Fund as a memorial to the local teacher, writer and windmill enthusiast Allen Clarke. The mill’s historical and architectural significance was formally recognised when it… 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 »

Showtown Museum Launch

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Showtown, Blackpool’s newest attraction, offers a vibrant and entertaining journey through the town’s rich showbiz history. Situated in the heart of Blackpool, this museum brings the town’s fun-loving spirit to life with a dynamic, immersive experience. Designed to entertain and engage, it showcases the famous entertainers who helped shape Blackpool’s legacy, from comedians and dancers to acrobats and larger-than-life performers. The museum highlights how this seaside resort became a hub of British entertainment. Visitors can step onto the dance floor, breathe in the nostalgia of the circus, and explore the hidden stories behind the scenes. For those eager to dive… Read more »