Plans to turn former Blackpool Odeon into Tenpin bowling & entertainment centre take step forward
Plans to revamp the former Blackpool Odeon into a new entertainment complex have taken some steps forward recently.
The former 10-screen Odeon Cinema off Rigby Road has been vacant since it closed in June 2023, when its lease came to an end, with the movie screens stripped out that Autumn.
Plans to revive the site as an entertainment complex have been at the forefront ever since an application seeking to turn the site into a self storage unit was refused at the end of 2023.
A planning application in September 2025 revealed for the first time that the former Odeon was to be occupied by Tenpin Limited, the bowling and multi-leisure operator, with various signage details shared.
Then just last week, we were able to share exactly when the former cinema will reopen as a Tenpin bowling alley and entertainment centre.
A ‘Coming Soon - June 2026’ banner has been fixed to the building, confirming its opening in fourth months’ time.
Now, new planning applications demonstrate that the revamp is more than underway.
Last Thursday, an application was submitted for a “Non-Material Amendment to planning permission 25/0647 to allow a change of materials for bin/plant enclosure”.
The noted application, approved in November 2025, was for the erection of a bin/plant store and the installation of a kitchen extract system to the rear.
The cover letter attached to the latest planning application states that approval was originally granted for a brick bin/plant enclosure but the new application seeks the enclosure to be made of wooden panels now instead.
The 2025 plans explained that the new venue would provide bowling, laser quest, pool, soft, play, and escape room, arcade games, as well as an ancillary bar and diner.
A new bin store/plant area is required to accomodate general waste, recycling and a HVAC system comprising of air chilled condensers and fan units.
The kitchen extract meanwhile will discharge at roof level and is designed to meet enviornmental health requirements while limiting noise and odour.
Tenpin is one of the largest bowling brands in the UK, with 58 locations around the country.
They provide a variety of leisure activities beyond bowling, including private karaoke rooms, laser tag, crazy golf, escape rooms, and interactive darts.
Some centres also feature arcade games, soft play areas for children, table tennis and pool. Tenpin sites are also used as venues for local and national ten-pin league competitions.
The fully-licensed on-site bars serve food and drink, and screen TNT & Sky Sports so visitors can keep up with the latest action.
The nearest Tenpin to Blackpool is currently the branch in Blackburn at Peel Leisure and Retail Park.