New plans for Blackpool Tower unveiled

A range of new attractions, including a stunning rooftop swimming pool, will be included in extension plans which will see the tower soar from 158 metres (518 feet) to more than 320 metres (518 feet tall)

Artists have made up impressions of the new-look tower, which include environmentally-sound proposals for Blackpool’s first indoor skydiving centre harnessing the seafront’s legendary wind power.

But proposals to create the world’s longest tightrope from Blackpool Tower to South Pier, for use by the Blackpool Tower circus clowns Mooky and Boo, have already attracted criticism from environmental campaigners Greenlives, who fear it will be a danger to seagulls.

The brain behind the ambitious multi-million pound plans, which hope to see the tower reclaim its spot as one of world’s tallest buildings, is renowned architect, Dr Kidding Yew.

Dr Yew was also responsible for the famous ice extension to the famous glass tower in Dubai, and was part of the award-winning team who built the famous Willy Wonka chocolate river attraction in Las Vegas.

Blackpool Tower bosses also hope to also seek permission to host walking tours on the extended tower, in a similar style to the famous bridge walk in Sydney, Australia.

Don Keigh, operational ideas manager at The Blackpool Tower, said he was ‘made up’ by the proposals.