The Blackpool Lead (2026)

16/09/2026

Blackpool Council insists it has not ruled out the prospect of a top arena for the town, despite the proposals not being explicitly included in an update on its ambitious Blackpool Central proposals.

The council was responding after being quizzed on the arena and if the proposals for the 20,000-seat amenity fitted in with its own Blackpool Central regenerations plans.

The Blackpool Central project is a major £300 million leisure-led regeneration scheme on the former Central Railway Station site just off the Golden Mile. It is one of the largest single investments in Blackpool in over a century.

When the project’s original developer Nikal collapsed into administration in 2024, Blackpool Council moved quickly to appoint leading marketing consultants Newmark HDH and theleisureway in October 2025, who have been working with the council to promote the development potential both nationally and internationally.

Now a procurement exercise to find a new developer and investor is being recommended to Blackpool Council’s Executive at its next meeting on Monday and a brochure has been prepared which includes proposals for the site.

The arena is not included, despite the announcement this year of a £20 million Government concept to explore the delivery of a new arena for the town in the same Blackpool Central area, as well as Blackpool South MP Chris Webb’s backing for it.

However, the council has made it clear it has not excluded the area scheme from its vision for the site.

A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: “Blackpool Central remains one of the most significant regeneration opportunities in the town and we are continuing to work with potential investors and developers to explore the most viable and deliverable options for the site.

“The masterplans have always demonstrated a range of potential mixed-use leisure uses, which are illustrative concepts designed to show what could be achieved on the site rather than fixed proposals.

“We have never ruled out an arena as a potentially good option, and this has already been the subject of discussions with developers.

“The next stage is about identifying and selecting the right developer and investment partner, and that process must come before decisions are made on the specific details of any future development. It is also important that any proposal delivers year-round use and is commercially viable.”

Just two weeks ago, a major building consultancy unveiled new images of a proposed 20,000-seat arena for Blackpool, as bold proposals the for resort’s future regeneration.

The Phoenix Arena Blackpool is an independently-developed proposal by Carters Building Consultancy, exploring how a flexible, world-class venue could support Blackpool Central and attract major events throughout the year.

Carters said: “Inspired by Blackpool’s rich entertainment heritage and its ambition to become one of the UK’s leading visitor destinations once again, the Phoenix Arena has been designed as far more than a performance venue.

“The concept brings together iconic architecture, vibrant public spaces, premium hospitality and sustainable urban design to create a destination that supports economic growth while celebrating Blackpool’s unique coastal identity Blackpool Arena.”

Chris Webb previously stated: “I’ve been making the case to ministers because Blackpool deserves investment in this project, which would ensure our future as an entertainment destination fit for the future.

“A modern arena would help bring major concerts, sporting events, exhibitions and conferences to Blackpool throughout the year, supporting local jobs and businesses in the process.

“As Blackpool prepares its bid to become UK City of Culture we should be thinking big about what our town can achieve. Winning City of Culture wouldn’t just be about one year of events, it would be a chance to leave a legacy for future generations. An arena at Blackpool Central could do exactly that.”

15/09/2026

Police are objecting to a premises licence application by a lifestyle and swingers club in Blackpool.

Club Play, based at Back Ribble Road in central Blackpool, is a private members’ club where like-minded couples and singles meet up in designated lounge and bar areas and make use of specialised play spaces including 19 themed rooms.

The discreet venue features couples’ areas, a dungeon, and dedicated zones for various alternative lifestyle preferences, including an on-site heated pool, hot tub, sauna facilities and cinema.

The venue has applied to Blackpool Council’s licensing department for its first long term premises licence, seeking permission to carry out licensable activities such as live music, recorded music and the sale of alcohol.

The application requests permission for the performance of live music and playing of recorded music from Sundays to Thursdays from 11pm to midnight and Fridays and Saturdays 11pm to 3am, and also the supply of alcohol (on and off the premises) Sundays to Thursdays from noon to midnight and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 3am.

The application is made on behalf of Paul Bevon, the director of club owner Innuendo Limited who is also the proposed Designated Premises Supervisor.

However, Lancashire Police say they are objecting to the proposals because the club does not agree to conditions to employ door security at the site.

The club argues that because it is a private members’ amenity, it does not need to use such measures, which would affectively cost the club £10,400 a year for one door person alone, working at weekends.

But the police have raised concerns and due to the police challenge, the matter will be determined by Blackpool’s licensing panel on Thursday.

Agent Mark Marshall, of specialist licensing firm M Squared Services, said in a written statement to the committee: “The applicant estimates that the cost of one door supervisor, if required for five hours on both Friday and Saturday evenings at £20 per hour, would be approximately £200 per week, or approximately £10,400 per annum.

“The precise cost will depend upon the contractor and hours required. The premises have characteristics which distinguish them from a conventional nightclub or public house.

“The premises are deliberately discreet. There is no prominent external signage; the premises are located between a large church and surrounding residential property, and access is via an alleyway.

“The business does not seek passing trade. It operates principally for a membership-based clientele, many of whom are familiar with similar venues elsewhere in the region.

“The applicant’s evidence is that operating margins are tight and that the principal income streams are limited to entry fees and the sale of soft drinks.”

The applicant argues that operating hours alone should not determine whether a fixed door-supervisor condition is appropriate.

The police have taken crime reports from the wider vicinity into account and are recommending that the licence should only be granted if the application is amended, or if conditions are applied.

These conditions include requirements that a minimum of one SIA (Security Industry Authority) door staff will be on duty from 10pm until closing time, on each Friday and Saturday night, as well as all other days where nonstandard hours are in operation.

At all other times the licence holder will determine an appropriate number of door staff, after a risk assessment maintained by the licence holder and which must be available for inspection if required.

In addition, a signing in sheet is to be completed by all members of door staff on duty at the premises to include the times of their tour of duty, SIA badge number, and full name printed, signature and date of birth of each individual door supervisor.

At all times while licensable activity is taking place, a personal licence holder will be on site, except in the case of emergency.

Lancashire Constabulary’s PC Guy Harrison said in a report to the committee: “The Police consider that a number of conditions are needed to be added to the operating schedule in order to prevent crime and disorder and prevent public nuisance.

“I spoke to the applicant’s representative on the telephone and outlined the conditions I believe need adding to the proposed licence.

“The applicant’s representative stated that the applicant would not be willing to accept the conditions that I proposed.

“The Police therefore object to the application. If the applicant was to subsequently agree to the conditions proposed below then our objection would be withdrawn.”

15/09/2026

A leading Blackpool councillor is calling for Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre and Lancashire County councils to create a new partnership despite a proposed merger hitting a major setback.

The controversial Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) proposals were put on hold after the government launched a review in light of new legal advice.

After the process hit a road block the leaders of Wyre and Fylde council reiterated their opposition to LGR.

Wyre Leader Michael Vincent stated that the reorganisation process should be abandoned completely, while Fylde Council Leader Karen Buckley condemned the “prolonged uncertainty” created by the sudden pause in the government’s plans she had opposed from the start.

Despite this, Blackpool Conservative Group Leader Cllr Paul Galley believes some of the ideas of LGR, particularly the prospect of the councils working more closely together, had some positive aspects which could still be taken onboard.

Cllr Galley wants to see a new ‘Fylde Coast Partnership’ which he says would cut duplication, share expertise and make it easier for residents to access council services across local authority boundaries.

He is proposing a practical partnership between the four councils based around five commitments:

*One clear route for residents to report cross-boundary problems – with councils passing reports between themselves rather than expecting residents to work out which authority is responsible.

*More shared procurement and purchasing – using the combined buying power of neighbouring councils to secure better value for taxpayers.

*A review of shared services – identifying areas where councils can share expertise, technology, specialist staff or back-office functions rather than unnecessarily duplicating them.

*Sharing best practice – creating a regular forum where councils compare performance and learn from services that are working particularly well in neighbouring authorities.

*Joint planning on major infrastructure and economic issues – recognising that roads, transport, employment, tourism and economic growth do not stop at council boundaries.

Cllr Galley said:“Local Government Reorganisation may have been put on hold, but that shouldn’t mean putting better local government on hold.

“Residents don’t live their lives according to council boundaries. Thousands of people travel between Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde every day to work, shop, visit family or use local services.

“Yet sometimes the boundary between two councils can make getting something relatively simple sorted unnecessarily complicated.

“A perfect example is the road towards Aldi in Cleveleys. The condition of that road is terrible. A small section is Blackpool’s responsibility while most of it falls within Lancashire.

“Residents shouldn’t need a map of local government boundaries to work out where to report a pothole.

“We should have a clear public-facing route where residents report the problem once and the councils sort out between themselves who is responsible for fixing it.

“And that principle should go much further. Why should four neighbouring councils buy the same things separately if purchasing together could get taxpayers a better deal?

“Why duplicate systems or specialist functions if sharing them could improve the service and save money?

“And if Blackpool is doing something brilliantly, Fylde, Wyre and Lancashire should be able to learn from it.

“Equally, if one of our neighbours has found a better way of delivering a service, we should be prepared to learn from them.”

He says his proposals are not about recreating LGR through the back door. Each council would remain independent and accountable to its own residents.

He added: “It comes down to a pragmatic approach: recognising that we are far more effective when we work together than when we operate in silos.

“I would like the four councils to establish a Fylde Coast Partnership and systematically look at where we can reduce duplication, share services, combine our purchasing power and make dealing with local government simpler for residents.

“The test should be straightforward: does working together improve the service, save taxpayers money or get more resources onto the frontline?

“If the answer is yes, we should do it.“We don’t need to redraw council boundaries to start delivering some of the benefits of closer working. We can start now.”

13/09/2026

Claims about crime in Claremont - which Reform candidate Mark Butcher has branded “the Bronx” - may not tell the full story, analysis of official police figures by The Blackpool Lead suggests.

While the area has been dubbed “the middle of lawless Britain” by Butcher as he vies to take a seat at the town hall in a by-election early next month, The Blackpool Lead’s analysis found that more than a quarter of police reports were linked to nightlife hotspots.

Some 27.7% (969) of the 3,499 reports to Lancashire Police from August last year to July this year were linked to Queen Street and The Strand, which are packed with pubs and bars, or nearby nightclubs.

And the most commonly reported offences over the past three years are those often associated with the nighttime economy - violent and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour.

Meanwhile, robberies have dropped by more than half, while burglaries, theft from a person and drug offences have also fallen.

11/09/2026

Demolition work has been carried out on an unsafe fire-damaged play ship in Anchorsholme Park which was targeted by arsonists last December.

The attack on the much-loved climbing ship on December 28 last year caused thousands of pounds of damage and much upset in the community and for the past nine months the ship has been fenced off.

Now £10,000 raised by the Friends of Anchorsholme Park towards the cost of replacement play equipment and an overhaul of the play area had been presented to Blackpool Council, which has overall responsibility for the park.

Anchorsholme councillors Paul Galley and Anita Cooper, along with Norbreck member Julie Sloman presented the community-raised funds to the council.

They had recently called on the council to push forward with the upgrade scheme and offer an update , raising concerns about the pace of progress on the project.

The councillors were also concerned that the £10,000 would have to be used for the demolition of the ship.
However, the council has confirmed it is paying for the demolition work so the money raised will go towards the upgrade of play equipment instead.

Cllr Galley said: “We’ve presented the cheque for £10,000, which was raised with the help of the community, to kickstart the project.”

Cllr Sloman said: “It’s been great to be able to hand that money over. Money that was raised by the community is going back into the community.

“We said last week that we wanted this project to get under way. We anticipated that the money was going to have to be used to dismantle the equipment that posing a danger to everybody.

“Instead the council has listened and is dismantling the equipment so the money the community raised is gong to be used positively to take the project forward.”

There will be a public meeting in November which will allow residents to look at the playground designs, and a schedule of maintenance work will be carried in the park.

Local primary schools such as Nobreck, Anchorsholme and St Teresa’s have been involved, with pupils’ ideas being heard.

Cllr Galley added: “This is just a series of steps we have worked out with the council. By Spring 2027 we want to have a relaunch of the park, with a working playground that looks really good and a cafe which is open.

“It’s a real chance to do this project well, so a huge thanks to the council for listening and to the community for raising the money.”

Meanwhile, the tenders are now open for those who want to take over the tender for the park’s Brew Café, which closed at the end of August due to a change in council contracts and plans by Blackpool Council to outsource the space to a new commercial vendor.

Cllr Anita Cooper said: “The Brew Café is an important part of the development. Sadly it is now closed but the tender is now open for people to look into.”

Regarding the tenders, Cllr Sloman added: “We are inviting local groups and community interest groups to consider putting in tenders. This is not an ordinary café, it is more of a community hub where people can hold gatherings and sessions, as well as sit in for refreshments while they’re in the park. It has so much potential.”

Cllr Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader of the Council (Place) and Cabinet Member for Climate Change said on behalf of the council: “What excites me most of all is how much effort people put into the parks locally, they mean so much to the local communities . We have seven green flag awards this year, which is the most we’ve had, which is excellent news.

“We are really celebrating our green spaces and our parks and we appreciate all the effort from people keeping on top of them.

“Now we’re looking at how we can make sure how the equipment is distributed across the town and what improvements we can make – and make sure every park is a nice space for that community.”

She added: “There’s nothing worse when something has been damaged, to have that hanging around as a constant reminder of a bad incident, so it’s important that we deal with this as swiftly as we possibly can.”

11/09/2026

The future of a large and prominent hotel on Blackpool seafront remains uncertain after the operators went into liquidation.

The 46-bedroom Skye Oceans Hotel at 333-335 Promenade, Blackpool, closed in the summer when operators Skye New Oceans Ltd, who has taken over in 2021, went out of business.

However, that company is part of a larger enterprise, Skye Hotels Ltd, which is still operating and has a number of other hotels under its umbrella across the North West.

Although the hotel is still listed as operational for bookings on certain travel sites, such as Top-Hotels-Uk.com, Companies House lists Skye New Oceans Ltd status as ‘liquidation’ and the phone numbers no longer ring out.

The hotel’s last’s review on Trip Advisor, where it had mixed notices ranging from good to very poor, was back in February.

Skye Hotels Ltd was contacted regarding future plans for the hotel, which one Trip Advisor reviewer described it as having “so much potential” but needing a revamp.

10/09/2026

Plans are being drawn up by Blackpool Council to tackle the issue of the town’s empty and derelict buildings which have been an ongoing scourge in the resort.

Latest reports show there were 1,500 empty homes in the resort last year, among the highest in the country.

Unoccupied shops, long-term empty B&Bs and deteriorating, disused hotels create a number of serious issues for Blackpool, but the council is also concerned about the number of empty houses.

Apart from the negative visual impression, empty houses also raise health and safety concerns, conflict with a serious shortage of affordable homes in the town and also impact financially through the deficit in council tax payments. They are also a magnet for vandalism.

Blackpool Council is the primary driver and co-investor behind the £350 million mixed-use regeneration Talbot Gateway scheme around Blackpool North train station, including the Multiversity, and has put an impressive bid in for the 2029 City of Culture accolade.

To deal with the run-down buildings issue, the council is setting up an Empty Property Strategy which will look at using a broad scale of approaches, ranging from guidance and support to various enforcement measures extending as far as Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO).

The latest report is being presented on Wednesday to a meeting of the council’s Climate Change and Environmental Scrutiny Committee, which committee members will consider as part of their scrutiny remit.

The report says: “Empty properties present a significant challenge for Blackpool. Whilst some vacant properties are temporarily unoccupied as a result of sale, probate or refurbishment, a substantial number remain empty for prolonged periods.

“Long-term vacancy can contribute to neighbourhood decline, anti-social behaviour, environmental problems, vandalism and deterioration of the local housing stock.

“At the same time, demand for suitable housing within the borough remains high.

“Blackpool has historically experienced levels of empty properties above national averages. Recent reports indicate there are approximately 1,500 empty homes across the borough, representing just over 2% of privately-owned housing stock.

“Previous Council data identified approximately 4,500 privately-owned empty homes, of which around 1,300 had been vacant for more than six months. Lancashire housing data also identifies Blackpool as having one of the highest proportions of vacant dwellings within the county.

“The Empty Property Strategy has been developed to provide a coordinated and proactive approach to reducing the number of long-term empty properties within the borough.

“The strategy seeks to support owners in bringing properties back into use whilst ensuring that effective enforcement action is taken where owners fail to engage and properties continue to have a detrimental impact on local communities.”

Owners will be given advice and support to renovate their properties for sale or rent, with stronger action taken if premises are left empty too long and become a problem for the local community, including CPO as a final resort.

The Council’s Empty Properties Taskforce brings together officers from Housing, Council Tax, Environmental Protection, Planning Enforcement, Building Control and Legal Services.

Recent interventions by the Task Force have resulted in long-term empty properties being refurbished and returned to residential occupation. In May, a property on Filey Place which had stood empty for around 10 years, with dry rot and a pigeon infestation left unchecked, was renovated and brought back into use.

Among the long-term empty properties in Blackpool are the former Carlton Hotel, on the junction of Queen Street and Abingdon Street and the former Pennine Hotel on the corner of Havelock Street and Central Drive.

Steve Savage, who runs the Shining Diamond B&B on Havelock Street, says: “The former Pennine Hotel is a serious problem.
“It creates a very bad impression in what is a holiday zone and children try to get in there all the time. It is an accident waiting to happen.

“If the council are including these kind of properties in their strategy then I would really welcome it.

“The best thing for that building, and the empty ones next to it, would be to bulldoze the lot and start again.”

A spokesperson for Blackpool Council said: “Empty properties can create real challenges for local communities and the council. Bringing these back into use can not only increase housing availability but improve neighbourhoods, reduce anti-social behaviour, and support wider regeneration objectives too.

“We want to be coordinated and proactive in tackling this issue and are considering a range of potential approaches for our Empty Property Strategy.

“A mix of support, engagement and appropriate enforcement action is considered the most effective way of delivering sustainable improvements and achieving positive outcomes for communities.”

10/09/2026

Police are calling for the review of a Blackpool pub’s licence after a stabbing incident occurred there after a live screening of the tense World Cup match between England and Argentina.

The licence review of the Boars Head, on Preston Old Road, will be made by Blackpool Council’s licensing panel on September 16.

The force says the disturbing incident and previous ones raise serious questions about the pub’s premises licence.

The incident occurred on July 15, when England were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina after a 1-2 defeat.

Lancashire Police stated in their submission to the panel: “The review is brought about following concerns around the venue’s promotion of the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

“Over the course of the last 12 months, there have been several fights at or outside the venue.

“There is a clear pattern of violent behaviour involving customers, which escalated over the World Cup on nights when England were playing.

“The most recent incident at the premises was a serious assault where a male was stabbed. This started as a disagreement in the venue, which then became a fight in the adjacent road between numerous customers.

“It eventually led to one male being stabbed, collapsing in the pub car park and still in a critical condition in hospital.

“This happened on the night England played Argentina in the world cup semi-final. The actions of the door staff did not help the situation – when the argument started in the venue, the door staff suggested those involved should take it off the premises and sort it out one-on-one.

“They then made no attempt to intervene when the violence erupted on the road outside. This is clearly contrary to the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.

“At the time of the incident, several 16 and 17-year-olds were in the venue and witnessed the fight, culminating in the serious assault. There is no evidence either way about whether they were served with or drinking alcohol, but this is clearly contrary to the protection of children from harm, especially the psychological harm of witnessing such a significant event.

“This incident followed a large fight after England’s quarter final against Norway, where a glass was thrown but luckily didn’t hit anyone.

“ The Police would ask that the committee consider the evidence before them and consider whether the venue can safely operate, in promotion of the licensing objectives. We would ask that all options are on the table, from the implementation of stricter conditions on the licence, a change of DPS and up to revocation.”

Later in July, long-serving Boars Head landlady Karen Bracegirdle announced on social media that she was leaving the pub after seven years at the helm.

After thanking regulars for their long support, she stated: “In light of recent events, along with ongoing issues over the past couple of years involving antisocial behaviour and noise complaints from the surrounding area—matters that have been completely beyond our control—the licensing authorities have recommended a change in management with immediate effect.”

Managing group Dobiere Pub Group has been approached for a comment.

10/09/2026

Significant economic and reputational impacts were felt across the Fylde Coast when a collapsed pipe resulted in untreated sewage being pumped into the sea.

United Utilities has been fined almost £1m following an incident which led to the public being warned against swimming in eight designated bathing waters in June 2023. Bacteria including E. coli was found in the sea after the water company pumped untreated sewage for 35 hours across 12 days in June 2023.

Preston Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (7 September) heard the discharge was caused when a pipe which had been laid at the incorrect depth collapsed. The pipe had barely been inspected in almost three decades after installation and its breakdown meant the maximum water which could be processed at Fleetwood Wastewater Treatment Works was reduced by more than half.

When heavy rainfall occurred, this led to huge amounts of untreated waste being discharged into the Irish Sea from three pumping stations in Blackpool, Fleetwood and Anchorsholme and high levels of bacterial contamination being found by the Environment Agency. Checks by Surfers Against Sewage and the Citizens Scientists Group found E. coli was present in water which would normally be used by swimmers.

As well as causing a public health risk, the breach had a significant impact on visitor numbers which lasted throughout the summer, the court heard.

08/09/2026

A Blackpool mental health charity has reopened its South Shore hub almost a year after massive storm damage left it uninhabitable.

Counselling In The Community’s (CITC) Waterloo Road base was reopened this afternoon by Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South, alongside CEO and Founder Stuart Hutton-Brown.

The hub was forced to close last October after storms caused extensive damage throughout the building, with water ingress badly damaging ceilings, walls and floors on both floors and leaving more than 100 people a week at risk of losing access to their therapy sessions.

Its reopening has been made possible by funding from the government’s £1.5m Pride in Place Impact Fund, secured by Chris Webb MP and allocated by Blackpool Council.

Around £40,000 of those funds has gone towards the repair works, while a further £100,000 has been put up to allow the council to purchase the building outright – securing its future as a community-owned asset.

The refurbishment has also added two extra counselling suites and improved accessibility throughout, alongside the hub’s existing sensory room.

CITC runs three bases across South Shore, Bispham and Cleveleys, offering affordable counselling from BACP-registered professionals to children, adults and families every week, with sessions starting from £5.

Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South, said: “It was an absolute honour to reopen Counselling in the Community on Waterloo Road and to see the full transformation counselling hub after the storm damage. Jon and his team from JD builders have done an amazing job.

“This is a huge asset for the community here in South Shore, which is exactly why I was pleased to agree with the council that this refurbishment should be funded through the Pride in Place Impact Fund I secured in Parliament.

“That fund exists to support organisations like Counselling in the Community, that do such important work, and to put pride back into our town.”

Stuart Hutton-Brown, CEO and Founder of CITC, said: “Both floors of the building was totally gutted after the storm – it was an absolute wreck and it was absolutely heartbreaking. We see around 120 people a week come through this building.

“The transformation we’re looking at now is unbelievable, and without Jon and his team turning this building into an amazing community space with 14 rooms, I don’t know where we’d be. I’m so grateful to him, to Chris Webb and the council for getting us back on our feet so that we can once again support the South Shore community.”

Jon Nichol, of JD Builders, who completed the renovations said: “It was a major disaster area when the flood happened – it devastated the building from top to bottom.

“This is such an important community programme that Counselling in the Community runs here. We brought in a local architect, sat down with Stuart and the team, and came up with the best use of the space we had, which we then built and put back. I hope it serves the community for years to come.”

The Blackpool Lead

16/09/2026

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13/09/2026

11/09/2026

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