Big plans for massive £300 million leisure-led Blackpool Central scheme to be revealed

A major step forward in Blackpool’s most ambitious development proposals - the £300 million Blackpool Central project - looks set to finally be revealed in the New Year.

That is when the chosen developer is set to be unveiled, followed by some of the major project ideas expected to follow.

The Blackpool Central scheme has been referred to as the perfect blank canvas on which to develop exciting leisure-led proposals, on land ready-made for development near the seafront of the UK’s top holiday resort.

Blackpool Council has had to bounce back from the huge setback of the original developer, Nikal, collapsing into administration in 2024.

Before that happened, a number of exciting project were being considered, including a flying theatre and an indoor theme park.

However, since nikal collapsed, the council has pushed on, appointing 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.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “There has certainly been a lot of interest in this project.

“You’re not going to get a better tourism development site in the UK.

“It was unfortunate that Nikal went into administration but since then we’ve cleared the site of the police station, which did not fit in with the rest of the area, and now have a fabulous car park and a site ready for development.

“We’re currently going through the procurement process but once we have confirmed the new developer, then we’ll be able to move on.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for Blackpool.”

Cllr Williams would not be drawn on what she wanted to see on the site, adding: “We’ll have to see what ideas are presented during the procurement process and what seems to be viable.”

Last month the council insisted it had not ruled out the prospect of a top, 20,000 seat arena for the town, despite the proposals not being explicitly included in an update on its ambitious Blackpool Central proposals.

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb is a big supporter of the arena plan.

Another suggested project - to use part of the land as a central motorhome park, bringing in visitors from all over the country who would spend money locally, has also been mooted.

Gazette readers have also suggested ideas for the site, including a large multi-use arena , child-friendly activities rather than an over-reliance on stag and hen parties, and unique Vegas-style concepts.