New plans for dedicated motorhome park on Blackpool Central site earmarked for 20,000-seater arena

New proposals have emerged for a dedicated motorhome park on the Blackpool Central site, with those backing the plans saying it would provide a ‘massive boost’ for the town’s tourism.

Under the controversial new plans, backed by members of the pro-motorhome CAMpRA campaign group, the under-used central lot would be transformed into a dedicated, high-spec Central Motorhome and Campervan amenity, usually referred to as an Aire.

And, campaigners say, because motorhomes are self-contained and feature their own kitchen and bathroom amenities, there would be no need to build new toilet blocks or other facilities to accommodate them.

Blackpool Central is the site of a proposed major £300 million multi-phase leisure and regeneration development, headed by Blackpool Council. In their latest statement to the Gazette, the council said it is is moving forward with a new procurement process to find an investor-developer for the leisure scheme, with the chosen partner expected to be revealed in the New Year.

Among the suggestions for the site is a 20,000 seater arena - a proposal championed by Blackpool South MP Chris Webb. Earlier this year, a major building consultancy unveiled new images of the planned arena as hopes grew that a major entertainment venue could become part of the resort’s future regeneration.

Dubbed the ‘Phoenix Arena’, the concept was independently developed by Carters Building Consultancy, exploring how a flexible, world-class venue could support Blackpool Central and attract major events throughout the year.

However, motorhomers says that a proper amenity for the them would allow for a constant stream of stay-over visitors who would spend money in the town’s restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.

Regular motorhomer Donald Macdonald, 64, says Blackpool would be the perfect location for such a site “This would not be a site where people living in motorhomes end up staying for months on end in one spot, as an alternative form of housing,” he explained. “This would be a strictly tourism situation, with people staying over for two or three days and then moving on.

“It would be a win-win for Blackpool and motorhomers,” added Donald, originally from Glasgow. “When most motorhomers travel to a spot, they want to take a look at it, visit the local restaurants and bars and cafes, have a good time and make the most of an area.

“Most resorts, even top places like Blackpool which is the country’s number one, face an ongoing struggle to get people in who are going to spend enough time and money in the place. Unlike day-trippers, motorhomers stick around for a few days and invest in the night time economy.

“It’s not like a caravan site where people are in static homes and the amities are all provided on-site. Motorhomers have most of their amenities contained in their vehicles, so the provisions needed for the park would be pretty simple and low-cost.”

Donald, who is now retired after working predominantly in newspaper distribution and circulation, has been a keen motorhome traveller for the past 10 years, visiting sites across Britain and Continental Europe with his wife Linda.

He says the UK is lagging behind the continent for the number and quality of Aires but adds that motorhoming is a growing pastime and resorts in Cornwall and Lincolnshire are now watching on, offering better amenities. “It’s a great way to see places and Blackpool could do worse than to give it some consideration,” said Donald.

Blackpool councillor Cllr Julie Sloman, who represents Norbreck ward, backs the idea, believing it would be a positive step for the resort. “I think it’s an excellent idea, you can never underestimate what motorhomes can bring to the local economy,” said the councillor.

“They have facilities for this in Fleetwood and over in Fylde - I think there should be one here and I don’t see why it shouldn’t be in Blackpool Central. As long as they have the sort of amenities they need on the site, it sounds to me like an option worth looking at.”

A spokesperson for Blackpool Council said: “We’re exploring all options to maximise the use of the site while the marketing for a large-scale leisure investor continues.”