Tag: Landmarks

Blackpool Victoria Hospital

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Originally established as Blackpool Hospital in 1894, the facility was located on Whitegate Lane (now Whitegate Drive). Its foundation was largely credited to Dr. George Chadwick Kingsbury, a general practitioner who also founded the Fylde Medical Society. Kingsbury played a key role as the first Chair of the Hospital Management Board and later served as Mayor of Blackpool in 1900. His contributions were pivotal in shaping the hospital, and it became Blackpool Victoria Hospital in 1898, following an expansion granted by permission of Queen Victoria. The hospital moved to a new location on East Park Drive in the 1930s, with… Read more »

Blackpool Town Hall

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The current Blackpool Town Hall was built to replace an earlier 18th-century structure, which had been located just south of its present site, near the old St John’s Market. Designed by Potts, Son, and Hennings in a Jacobean style, the new building was completed in 1900 and stands on Talbot Square. The façade features a balanced design with seven bays, the outermost ones curving gracefully around the sides. At the centre is a prominent five-stage clock tower, with the ground floor portico supported by Tuscan-style pilasters, while the first floor is distinguished by Ionic columns, a segmental pediment, and a… Read more »

Blackpool Sea Life Centre

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Blackpool SEA LIFE Centre is one of the town’s most popular family attractions, offering an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Located on the Promenade, near the iconic Blackpool Tower, the SEA LIFE Centre provides an opportunity to explore the wonders of marine life through its impressive array of underwater exhibits and interactive displays. The centre first opened its doors in 1990 and has since become a key destination for those looking to discover the fascinating world beneath the waves. The Blackpool SEA LIFE Centre is home to thousands of sea creatures, with over 50 displays showcasing… Read more »

North Pier

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Blackpool North Pier is the oldest of the three iconic piers in Blackpool, England. It first opened in 21 May 1863 and stands as a testament to Victorian engineering and seaside leisure. Designed by renowned pier architect Eugenius Birch, North Pier was initially intended to provide a more genteel and refined experience compared to its sister piers, Central and South. While the other piers focused on entertainment and fun, North Pier was designed as a place for relaxation, complete with seating, scenic views, and peaceful strolls along the promenade. Stretching 500 yards into the Irish Sea, the pier features a… Read more »

Central Pier

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Central Pier is one of the three piers in Blackpool, England, and it was built in 1868. It is called “Central” because it is situated between the other two piers, and it was near the old Blackpool Central railway station, about 550 yards south of Blackpool Tower. The pier extends straight out from the flat coastline, running perpendicular to the sea front and level with the promenade. The success of the North Pier led to the creation of Central Pier, with the Blackpool South Jetty Company being set up in 1864. They hired the same builder, Richard Laidlaw and Son… 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 »

Sainsburys Talbot Flagship Store

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Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s opened its 120,000 sq ft store at Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway development, resulting in the creation of nearly 300 jobs. The store marked the completion of the first phase of the 25-acre project by Muse Developments. Constructed by Shepherd Construction and Barr Construction, the store offered 58,000 sq ft of retail space. Mike Horner, regional director at Muse Developments, noted that reaching this stage of the development and seeing Sainsbury’s open to the public had been a significant milestone. He highlighted their close collaboration with Blackpool Council in delivering a high-quality project that revitalized the area around Blackpool… Read more »

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 »