100 jobs to be created at £2.4m Harry Ramsden's Blackpool Tower development

Blackpool Council has announced a rebranded flagship fish restaurant from the chain will open within the Tower complex this summer.

The restaurant and takeaway will be located in the space previously occupied by the Tower Lounge bar, complemented by a further eatery within the Tower complex.

The operator of the restaurant will invest £2m into the venture with Blackpool Council contributing £0.4m toward building works.

Coun Mark Smith, cabinet member for business and economic development said: “We are delighted to be able to finally announce details of this important development.

“The private investment being made in Blackpool’s most prominent public asset and the jobs it creates is yet another demonstration of the steps the town has taken in creating a vibrant economy.

“This is a clear message to potential developers – Blackpool is the town to invest in.”

Kate Shane, head of the Merlin Blackpool cluster of attractions, added: “This is a hugely exciting event for Blackpool Tower and the resort as a whole.

“The new restaurant and eateries perfectly complement the Tower attractions, will enhance the customers experience significantly and of course completes the ground floor refurbishment of this very special building.

“This development represents yet another feature cementing Blackpool as the UK’s number one family destination.”

Tower operator Merlin called time on the Tower Lounge bar in November 2014, after some six decades.

The rebranded Northern Flagship of the world-famous Harry Ramsden’s restaurant chain will create 100 new jobs, in addition to safeguarding 30 existing jobs in the town.

It is the latest in a series of eateries to invest in Blackpool.

Joe Teixeira, CEO of Harry Ramsden’s said: “With the town continuing to attract record numbers of visitors, we believe the time is right to further invest in Blackpool.

“We are delighted that, as a result of this decision, not only are jobs being secured but new jobs are being created.

“We are especially pleased that so many of the people currently working on the project are locally based, this in itself gives an immediate boost to the Blackpool economy.”

He said the new Harry Ramsden’s menu would offer a ‘greatly enhanced’ selection of options and the development would include ‘state-of-the-art information technology and social media installations’, high class interior finishes and a quality new exterior to match the rest of the Tower.

Mr Teixeira added; “Having served the generations for more than 85 years at Harry Ramsden’s, we pride ourselves on being a family brand.

“Within Blackpool Tower, as well as memorable visit to a world class attraction, we aim to create an equally memorable dining experience for local and visiting families, in surroundings which the local community can be extremely proud.”

A spokesman for Ramsden’s confirmed the existing Harry Ramsden’s outlet on the Promenade will be vacated, and that the company is already screening prospective operators for the site