Blackpool Tower

Here at Blackpool.com you will find the most up-to-date news for Blackpool and the surrounding area while you can also benefit from some excellent ticket discounts for a whole range of visitor attractions and hotel accommodation.

Blackpool Tower in line for major investment

Blackpool Council has announced that it will invest a massive sum over the coming years in a continued programme of restoration at the famous Blackpool Tower.

The Grade 1 listed Blackpool Tower is the major landmark in town and one which greets the millions of annual visitors. Indeed Blackpool just wouldn’t be the same without the iconic structure and following the announcement by Blackpool Council that the landmark is in line for some serious investment over the next few years, it seems as though it’s longer-term future is assured.

This funding will amount to a total of around £11 million and this will come courtesy of prudential borrowing, the total amount of borrowing needed for the protection of the structure estimated to be in the region of £16.7 million over a loan period extending over 24 years. The repayments will be funded from revenue earned from the attraction such as ticket sales, merchandise etc.

Since the council took charge of the tower in 2010, continuous maintenance has taken place including renewing steelwork and replacing the lift shaft. A council report stated that continued investment is vital should the tower wish to continue as a world-class visitor attraction.

Alongside the necessary repairs, there is a proposal to repaint all of the steelwork on the structure using a special paint which has a lifespan of around twenty years. A similar paint has been used on the Forth Bridge in Scotland for many years.

Much of the work which affects the main tourist areas such as the Tower Eye will be carried out during the winter months.