'We want something unique that Manchester or Liverpool don't have' - Gazette readers on Blackpool Central plan

Blackpool Gazette readers have offered a wide range of ideas for what should be built on the Blackpool Central site.

A large arena emerged as one of the most prominent suggestions, although others called for affordable housing, public facilities, a market, leisure attractions and projects aimed primarily at local residents.

The comments came in response to a question posed on social media by the Gazette asking: “What would you like to see built on the vacant Blackpool Central site? Do you think an arena is a good call?”

The debate comes as Blackpool Council continues to seek a new development partner for the 10-acre site, following the collapse of previous developer Nikal Ltd. The council has said the next stage is to identify a developer and investor before decisions are made on the precise details of the future development. Blackpool Council+1

The council has also recently insisted that an arena has not been ruled out, despite it not appearing explicitly in the latest update on Blackpool Central. Several readers backed the idea of a substantial entertainment venue capable of attracting major performers and events.

Kay Jackson said: “I remember when that area was initially earmarked for Vegas style casinos, but lost out to Manchester. Then indoor complex and arena. Think of the trade Blackpool would get if they got a large entertainment venue.”

Barbara Levs said: “An arena.. big enough for top international stars... Enough to encourage people to book hotel or BNB”

Mark Weber said: “Yes an Arena is a great call, would bring a lot to Blackpool. Manchester is mega busy when the boxing or a big band is on. Blackpool needs it.”

David King said: “Anything but what the latest plans are showing lol … it’s needs to be an all round revenue driver from locals and tourists alike - an arena or multi purpose entertainment centre (as previously planned - but better )”

Andy Richardson said: “An Arena is what the town needs to help it recover. The Council will be the reason it never happens. And it’ll not be the first time. Those old enough may remember that Blackpool was considered for the then Euro-Disney. It was planned for the area where the Zoo & Village Hotel is. But without the support, they took it elsewhere.”

Not everyone calling for an arena had music concerts in mind.

Carl Cumbley said: “A arena but not for bands. A motor sport arena for speedway or demolition derbies. Blackpool already has venues for bands and shows.”

Barry McCann said: “Something unique that nearby Liverpool and Manchester have not got.”

Ali Burgoyne suggested combining entertainment and leisure, saying: “A huge water park under an Eden type dome with lots of pools and slides with palm trees a tropical paradise that the weather can't ruin. Or a new concert arena with a full size Olympic ice skating rink that can be covered for concerts”

Another reader, Michael Morey, questioned whether a conventional arena would generate enough business, suggesting Blackpool should pursue something more distinctive.

He said: “An arena will be a white elephant. Ask Liverpool, Leeds, Hull, Sheffield & Newcastle how busy their arenas are compared to expectations. All those cities, are all. Close enough to Manchester, as is Blackpool. A tour will find it cheaper to stay in Manchester for as many nights as it takes, than move around the region driving an hour or two each night. Also we aren’t on the way anywhere. There’s so much else the town could do than copy all the others. Now if a Sphere were to be built there, that might be a different proposition.”

A recurring theme among the responses was that any development should benefit people living in Blackpool as well as visitors.

Julie Southern-Simpson said: “How about something affordable for us working locals to enjoy for a change and I don’t mean just for kids, there areseen as we’re the ones who have to tolerate everything & everyone's behaviour all year round,It would also make a great indoor archery & shooting range, and around the perimeter other sports could be held x”

Jamie Woods said: “Something for the residents, something that shows me matter more than any visitor/ tourist. Something we the people who live here and need something to show we matter. No access to tourist unless a premium price is paid. A multiplex maybe. 5 a side football pitches, bowling, a gym a pool an arcade with retro games no gambling games. A couple of diners selling non franchised vendors. There are so many things, positive things that tell us that we matter more than lining corporate and council pockets”

A number of readers proposed facilities ranging from cinemas and swimming pools to markets and museums.

Paul Yard said: “A cinema with a built on bowling alley and family bar with entertainment every day with a nice drinks and food menu”

Andrew Fisher said: “Public swimming baths like the old Derby baths”

Dion Jay Woollaston said: “I’d rather see a large public market”

Susan Skipiol said: “A tram museum with ability to ride the trams on short tracks or interactive exhibits to feel the experience through the years and all there memorabilia with a cafe etc and old illuminations”

Some responses moved away from tourism and entertainment altogether.

Felony Jay asked: “Affordable homes for people?”

Trevor Stokes said: “A driving test centre, a cscs certificate centre and a magistrates to serve Blackpool and Fleetwood. Disgraceful.”

Others were considerably more tongue-in-cheek.

Chris Guerin said: “I can’t help thinking that Bloomfield Road is already there as an arena and it’s not busy everyday - nice apartments for all these new workers might be the best thing”

And Brian Carr offered a deliberately sarcastic suggestion: “Something that we can moan about …….. can’t buck a trend”

Mark Campbell was even more concise, saying: “The worlds biggest carpark please”