Blackpool should try for city-status, says leading businessman

Blackpool should apply for city status and take advantage of the benefits, says a leading local businessman.

Stephen Pierre, whose independent bar The Galleon is one of the resort’s best-loved night time destinations, is also planning to open an art gallery on Abingdon Street and combine it with an amusements arcade, a bar and a roof terrace.

With more than 30 years in business, the entrepreneur is convinced that city-status is the way to go and he is convinced the resort has more to offer than another seaside resort which has gained that accolade, Brighton.

With Blackpool included in the long-list bid for City of Culture status in 2029, Stephen believes it makes perfect sense for the town’s movers-and shakers to consider the move.

With a population of around 145,000, Blackpool is bigger than some existing cities, enjoys a high national profile and has more cultural significance than many would give it credit for.

He said: “I think now is the perfect moment for that question to be asked – should Blackpool apply for city-status?

“It is big enough and draws in a huge amount of people each year.

“I would argue that Blackpool has more to offer than Brighton, despite the fact it does not have the obvious connection to London.

“It has three piers, a world-recognised and historic amusement park in the Pleasure Beach, classic theatres in Blackpool Grand and the Opera House, the globally-revered Tower Ballroom, Grade II listed Stanley Park, Blackpool Zoo and a first generation tramway which also has international significance.

“It does not have a cathedral but it does have some magnificent churches – the Sacred Heart in Talbot Square and also St John’s Church in the town centre.

“The list for Blackpool is huge and overall I believe it puts even a place like Brighton in the shade – it’s no coincidence that Blackpool has been included in the City of Culture list for 2029.

“And yet it is not a city. I think some joined-up thinking is needed to try and do something about that – Blackpool has so much to offer but it does have some serious challenges.

“Any extra funding, recognition or help we can get must be grabbed with both hands.”

The main benefits a community can leverage from achieving city status include:

Raised National and International Profile: Being designated as a city “puts a place on the map,” giving the area a louder voice and a stronger position on the world stage when competing for recognition.

Inward Investment and Economic Growth: The prestige acts as a unique selling point that helps to attract developers, new businesses, and skilled professionals who might otherwise overlook a town.

Tourism Boost: Cities naturally draw greater visitor interest, which can drive revenue for local hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors.

Meanwhile, Blackpool Council is asking for the support of local residents to help with the major bid to be the UK City of Culture 2029.

While not technically a city, Blackpool is the 45th largest place in the UK- with a population of 141,500 and a visitor economy valued at £2bn- and the competition was opened up to non cities in 2025.

In March, it was confirmed that Blackpool had been named as one of nine long-listed places for the prestigious accolade, going up against Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon and Wrexham.

Blackpool Council says: “This is an opportunity to celebrate the creativity, talent and cultural heritage that already exists across our well-known and much-loved seaside town, while creating new opportunities for communities, businesses and future generations.”