Council respond after arena not part of Blackpool Central plans

Blackpool Council insists it has not ruled out the prospect of a top arena for the town, despite the proposals not being explicitly included in an update on its ambitious Blackpool Central proposals.

The council was responding after being quizzed on the arena and if the proposals for the 20,000-seat amenity fitted in with its own Blackpool Central regenerations plans.

The Blackpool Central project is a major £300 million leisure-led regeneration scheme on the former Central Railway Station site just off the Golden Mile. It is one of the largest single investments in Blackpool in over a century.

When the project’s original developer Nikal collapsed into administration in 2024, Blackpool Council moved quickly to appoint leading marketing consultants Newmark HDH and theleisureway in October 2025, who have been working with the council to promote the development potential both nationally and internationally.

Now a procurement exercise to find a new developer and investor is being recommended to Blackpool Council’s Executive at its next meeting on Monday and a brochure has been prepared which includes proposals for the site.

The arena is not included, despite the announcement this year of a £20 million Government concept to explore the delivery of a new arena for the town in the same Blackpool Central area, as well as Blackpool South MP Chris Webb’s backing for it.

However, the council has made it clear it has not excluded the area scheme from its vision for the site.

A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: “Blackpool Central remains one of the most significant regeneration opportunities in the town and we are continuing to work with potential investors and developers to explore the most viable and deliverable options for the site.

“The masterplans have always demonstrated a range of potential mixed-use leisure uses, which are illustrative concepts designed to show what could be achieved on the site rather than fixed proposals.

“We have never ruled out an arena as a potentially good option, and this has already been the subject of discussions with developers.

“The next stage is about identifying and selecting the right developer and investment partner, and that process must come before decisions are made on the specific details of any future development. It is also important that any proposal delivers year-round use and is commercially viable.”

Just two weeks ago, a major building consultancy unveiled new images of a proposed 20,000-seat arena for Blackpool, as bold proposals the for resort’s future regeneration.

The Phoenix Arena Blackpool is an independently-developed proposal by Carters Building Consultancy, exploring how a flexible, world-class venue could support Blackpool Central and attract major events throughout the year.

Carters said: “Inspired by Blackpool’s rich entertainment heritage and its ambition to become one of the UK’s leading visitor destinations once again, the Phoenix Arena has been designed as far more than a performance venue.

“The concept brings together iconic architecture, vibrant public spaces, premium hospitality and sustainable urban design to create a destination that supports economic growth while celebrating Blackpool’s unique coastal identity Blackpool Arena.”

Chris Webb previously stated: “I’ve been making the case to ministers because Blackpool deserves investment in this project, which would ensure our future as an entertainment destination fit for the future.

“A modern arena would help bring major concerts, sporting events, exhibitions and conferences to Blackpool throughout the year, supporting local jobs and businesses in the process.

“As Blackpool prepares its bid to become UK City of Culture we should be thinking big about what our town can achieve. Winning City of Culture wouldn’t just be about one year of events, it would be a chance to leave a legacy for future generations. An arena at Blackpool Central could do exactly that.”