Plan could 'transform' Golden Mile site

Blackpool Council is seeking an operator for the Golden Mile Centre which it owns on Central Promenade.

Currently the building is occupied by attractions including an amusement arcade, several retail outlets and an adventure golf venue.

Councillors have agreed to launch a tendering process to find "a potential operator to work with the council to propose optimal future uses for the building complex".

A town hall report says the aim is "to transform this area of the Promenade" in order to help boost the town's economy.

But it states any use will be "aligned to other developments planned for this area and ongoing enhancements to key leisure and tourism attractions within Blackpool."

The report adds it is hoped to "potentially appoint an operator to work with the council in progressing the optimal development proposal and manage the revised offer under an operating agreement to deliver an improved tourism use for the Golden Mile complex".

The council bought the Golden Mile Centre in 2010 as part of a £40m deal which also included the Tower and the Winter Gardens.

Since then leisure giant Merlin has worked with the council to operate the Tower and other attractions including Madame Tussauds.

Investment currently underway on Central Promenade includes the construction of the Sands Resort Hotel which will include the council-backed Showtown museum.

The nearby Central Car Park is earmarked for a £300m leisure development with attractions based on the latest virtual reality technology.

The council is also currently out to tender for a licence to operate activities on the west side of the tram tracks on part of Central Promenade.