Blackpool Takes Over Operation of Tower and Merlin Gateway Attractions
Photo: Courtesy of Blackpool Council
(eap) Blackpool Council, the local authority of the English seaside resort of Blackpool, has announced that the operation of the Blackpool Tower (including the Blackpool Tower Eye; Circus, Ballroom and Dungeons) and Madame Tussauds will be transferred to municipal hands from August 2025. The current operator, Merlin Entertainments, will hand over the attractions to Blackpool Operating Company Limited, which will trade as Blackpool Tourism Limited. A new partnership with Merlin will ensure the continued operation of Madame Tussauds and The Dungeons.
“This is an exciting day for Blackpool and the start of a new era for our tourism industry. In 2010, Blackpool Council bought Blackpool Tower bringing it into public ownership for the first time to safeguard the future of our much loved iconic landmark whilst also transforming it into a tourist attraction fit for the 21st century. It was a bold and ambitious move and one that has reaped rewards ever since. It is such a special place and needed to be protected and preserved for future generations. Back in 2010, we did not have the skills or knowledge within the town to redevelop the Tower into a modern attraction. Bringing Merlin Entertainments on board was absolutely the right decision and we have enjoyed a long and successful partnership with them which has brought other quality attractions to the resort. The time has come to reassess our position and determine our future vision for our attractions and the town as whole. The benefits that our amazing attractions bring, will be kept in Blackpool. Our priority is creating jobs for local people, creating a vibrant economy for local businesses and giving millions of visitors a reason to come and stay in Blackpool,” explains Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council.
Kate Shane, who has been Managing Director of Blackpool’s leisure portfolio since last summer and was previously regional director at Merlin Entertainments, points out: “Bringing all these key attractions under the umbrella of one company is a bold move but the right one to deliver the ambitions of the resort that punches above its weight! […] We will support the sector to deliver world class experiences, and by working together we will drive awareness to re-engage lapsed visitors and reach those that have yet to see everything that Blackpool has to offer.”
“Back in 2010, Blackpool Council and Merlin set out a bold ambition to transform the Tower into a visitor attraction the town could be proud of. In parallel, we committed to upgrade a locally-run waxworks into an iconic Madame Tussauds attraction. Over the past 15 years, in close cooperation with the council, we have made significant progress – and laid strong foundations which set these attractions up for long term success, well into the future. We fully support the local authority’s desire to see these attractions return to local management, and we welcome the clear direction the council leadership has provided. Looking ahead, we are delighted to be entering a new partnership with the council to ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy the iconic, immersive experiences which Madame Tussauds and The Dungeons have become known for. Merlin remains absolutely committed to the ongoing success of tourism in Blackpool, not least so that the two brands we are franchising to Blackpool Tourism Ltd can continue to flourish with our creative input. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the council over the months and years ahead,” said Andy Turner, Regional Director of Gateway Attractions at Merlin Entertainments. ■
