Tag: Landmarks

Blackpool’s Second Odeon Cinema Opens on Rigby Road

Blackpool’s first Odeon Cinema building on Dickson Road (shown below) is now Grade Il Listed. It was the largest on the Oscar Deutsch circuit (at the time) with 3088 seats. It was officially opened by the Mayor of Blackpool, Alderman WR Duckworth MP, on 6 May 1939. Principal guests at the opening ceremony were greeted by screen star Conrad Veidt and entertainer George Formby. The first film shown was ‘Three Smart Girls Grow Up’ starring Deanna Durbin. A Conacher organ, previously installed in the Ritz Cinema Southend-on-Sea, was unveiled in 1946 by Al Bollington, ‘Tripled’ in 1975 the Odeon closed… Read more »

Opening of £5 Million Club 3000 Bingo

On Saturday, 1 July 2023, Club 3000 Bingo officially opened its latest venue at Festival Leisure Park in Blackpool, marking a significant milestone as the company’s 24th club across the UK. This new venue represents a £5 million investment, transforming the former Swift Hound Pub site into a modern, state-of-the-art bingo hall designed to offer an exceptional experience for both regular players and newcomers alike. The grand opening was a spectacular affair, drawing over 800 guests who enjoyed an evening filled with entertainment and celebration. Highlights included a captivating magic show by Craig Harper, as well as special appearances from… Read more »

The Opening of Palatine Leisure Centre & South Family Hub

The Palatine Leisure Centre in Blackpool opened on 11 August 2005 after six years of planning and development. Located on St Anne’s Road in the South Shore area, it is operated by Blackpool Council and shares its site with the Palatine Library and South Shore Academy. The centre offers a wide range of facilities including a 25-meter, 8-lane competition swimming pool with a moveable floor, allowing for swimming competitions, water polo, and sub-aqua diving. There is also a family learner pool designed for swimming lessons and recreational use. The centre includes a well-equipped gym with cardiovascular and resistance machines, functional… Read more »

Palatine Library and Learning Centre First Opens

The Palatine Public Library officially opened to the public on 8 September 1923, marking a significant moment in Blackpool’s cultural and educational history. Its origins, however, trace back to 1920, when Boy Scout Troop One began collecting books with the aim of creating a community resource. Their efforts laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of public learning and literacy in the area. The library’s formal opening in 1923 signalled the beginning of a new chapter in accessible education and community enrichment, offering local residents the opportunity to borrow books and engage with a growing range of services…. Read more »

South Shore School Becomes an Academy

South Shore School, which was formerly known as Palatine Community Sports College, became an academy in December 2013, when it was converted by Bright Futures Education Trust (BFET). Prior to becoming an academy, the school had been a Sports College since 2004 and had also gained Trust status in 2010, enabling partnerships with several organisations. South Shore Academy wants the best for everyone and the best from everyone. Their vision is for all students to be confident, independent, resilient learners who leave SSA with limitless possibilities to fulfil all their future ambitions, becoming well rounded, positive global citizens, who make… Read more »

New Facility for Aspire Academy and Highfurlong School

BLACKPOOL ASPIRE ACADEMY Blackpool Aspire Academy is committed to providing its students with a high-quality education and remains a dynamic, engaging, and inspiring environment each day. The academy benefits from exceptional resources within its state-of-the-art facilities, creating an ideal setting for learning and personal growth. Educating young people is seen as both a privilege and a serious responsibility, and the academy holds consistently high expectations for its students. Central to the academy’s ethos are positive relationships and mutual respect, which underpin every aspect of school life. The staff at Aspire are dedicated and ambitious for every pupil, playing a crucial… Read more »

Stanley Park Aerodrome Opens

Stanley Park Aerodrome was an airfield located in the Stanley Park area of Blackpool, Lancashire, England. It was also known as Blackpool Municipal Airport, and was in use for civil and military flying from 1929 until closure of the airfield in 1947. The site is now used by Blackpool Zoo. Despite the existence of the Squires Gate site, now Blackpool Airport, which has been used intermittently for flying since October 1909, Blackpool Corporation decided in 1928 to build a new airfield close to Stanley Park. The aerodrome was located 1.7 mi (2.7 km) east south east of North Pier at… Read more »

Revoe School and its Football Heritage Become Revoe Learning Academy

Revoe Learning Academy, previously known as Revoe Primary School, has a rich history that reflects both the development of Blackpool as a town and the evolution of education within the community. The school’s roots can be traced back to the late 19th century when the Revoe area began transitioning from rural farmland to a more urban environment, especially as Blackpool’s popularity as a seaside resort grew. Revoe Primary School was established to meet the needs of the expanding population in this part of Blackpool, providing local children with access to education as the area became more residential. Over the years,... Read more »

Revoe Library First Opens its Doors

Revoe Library, has a rich history that reflects the area’s development and community spirit. The library was constructed on the former site of Revoe Farm, with its establishment marking a significant milestone in the community’s cultural evolution. In July 2004, Revoe Library celebrated its centenary, commemorating 100 years of service to the local population. The centenary festivities included history workshops where attendees dressed in Victorian attire, created commemorative bookmarks, and engaged with antique toys, highlighting the library’s enduring role in community enrichment. The library is less than a minute’s walk from Revoe School. Beyond its primary function as a repository… Read more »

The Belle Vue Pub & Hotel Changes its Image

They’re a friendly bunch and pride themselves on giving the warmest of welcomes. They’re committed to seeking out the very best quality fresh ingredients for their menus – including vegan and vegetarian options – at prices that are honest and fair. They’re a real part of the local community in Blackpool too, proud to help fundraise for charities and offer their function area free of charge to locals and groups. So whether you’re up for a party, watching sport with mates, meeting with friends and family for great value pub food & drink or just relaxing and taking the time… Read more »