Blackpool Council and Home Office issue major update on use of iconic Metropole Hotel to house asylum seekers
‘This is welcome news for our town.’
Blackpool Council has been informed by the Home Office that it will be serving notice on The Metropole as asylum accommodation and it will be no longer used by the end of July 2026.
The locally-listed seafront hotel, owned by Britannia Hotels and the only one in Blackpool located on the sea-side of the prom, has been used to house migrants since September 2021.
Around 140–220 people were initially moved into the hotel by the Home Office due to “unprecedented demand” for accommodation, despite objections from local officials.
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It has been the subject of several protests by anti-migrant campaigners and was one of the main areas where they congregated during the riots in August 2024, following the tragic murder of three children in Southport by Axel Rudakubana. Police had to form a human barrier keep them away from the property.
‘Never the right place’
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “The Government has made the correct decision here. The Metropole was never the right place to house people fleeing persecution and seeking asylum and we challenged it from the very beginning.
“I’m happy that the Government has listened to our case for it to be closed early and for people seeking asylum to live somewhere more suitable while their claim is being processed. The truth is that, unlike other hotels in the country, The Metropole housed parents and families rather than single males. We worked hard with the Home Office to make sure that was the case.
“Over the last year, as the asylum process has sped up, the numbers of people in the Metropole has started to fall and many people will be relieved to hear that from this summer people waiting for their asylum decision will live somewhere more suitable.
“We now have to look at the next stage. The owners of The Metropole need to work with us and come up with a plan to invest heavily in the building so it can contribute to the visitor economy again and create jobs for Blackpool people. It was a glorious hotel once and I want it to be loved and restored and part of our vision to make Blackpool better.”
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‘Local people have been heard’
Chris Webb MP, added: “After promising the people of Blackpool I would secure the closure of our asylum hotel, I am proud to say that after two years of relentless campaigning the government has listened. The Metropole Hotel will cease operating as asylum accommodation before the end of July. This is welcome news for our town.
“I have been clear since it opened in 2021 – the Metropole should never have been used in this way. It has placed unacceptable pressure on local services, damaged confidence in our town, and left vulnerable people in unsuitable accommodation.
“I made a promise to residents to end this arrangement when I was elected in 2024 and I have kept it. Those currently staying at the Metropole will now be supported through a managed transition into more appropriate asylum accommodation outside of Blackpool while their claims are processed.
“The Metropole is a historic part of our identity and a cornerstone of our tourism heritage. Like the thousands who backed my campaign, I want to see it restored to its rightful role – supporting jobs, attracting visitors, and driving the regeneration our town deserves.
“Local people have been heard. Now I will keep pushing to ensure the Metropole’s next chapter delivers for Blackpool.”