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Welcome to the 'A Changing Blackpool' blog.
We hope you enjoy viewing the transformation of Blackpool through our photographic updates.
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Ladies on Blackpool Promenade
Sep 3, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Here's the second art deco/heritage inspired image - this one was created by Jayne Walsh - a student at Blackpool and Fylde College playing on a famous old photograph of ladies on Blackpool prom. This reimagining features the new railings which have been installed and some of the public artwork which is on display in the town - all set on one of the new headlands which are under construction. We think its great - what do you think?
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St Chad's and Waterloo Improvements
Sep 1, 2010 - Comment on this article -
The two images above show the changes along the promenade around St Chad's and Waterloo headlands. The new spaces are not yet completely finished but already allow for events to take place on each of the headlands. Just last night Blackpool had their annual 'Ride the Lights' where one of the headlands housed a 'cycle village' with all sorts of cycle paraphernalia for the evening.
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Art Deco Seaside Poster Art
Aug 31, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Here's a fantatsic new poster created Robert Mountcastle, an Illustration student at Blackpool and Fylde College aimed at highlighting the best of the old and the new in Blackpool. The project which was kickstarted and run by BFW EDC saw Robert and one of his colleagues producing eye-catching new images aimed at reflecting Blackpool's unique heritage and bright future through the ongoing regeneration work.
Robert's image is based on the style of the old railway posters produced in the 1920’s and 30’s. His picture features the new Spanish steps which have been created and run down to the beach on the seafront along with the curved railings which have been put in place and one of the chrome lighting arches from Birley Street.
Talking about his picture, Robert said: “The image is my version of the famous railway posters which were created back in the 1920’s and 30’s, so it retains some of their style but incorporates a more modern feel – such as the railings and the lighting arch. The figures have also been brought up to date with a cyclist strolling along the prom and the lady in a dress rather than the bathing suit you would probably have seen in an older style poster, its unmistakeably Blackpool though as the tower dominates the image.”
We think it's great and we will be posting another up tomorrow.
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Spanish Steps
Aug 25, 2010 - Comment on this article -
These two images show how things have progressed around the Waterloo Headland area on the prom. The Spanish steps and the beach on this crisp and bright day look very inviting for a fresh morning stroll to blow those cobwebs away and set you up for the day.
After a lot of consultation on the original 'People's Playground' project a large majority of people wanted some planting and greenery on the promenade, we can start to see this taking shape now and it looks fab!
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Waterloo
Aug 23, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Today's set of images shows the Waterloo Headland area the first image was taken back in 2004 before any work started and the 2nd image shows the headland and how it has developed to date. There are plans for further work to develop the headland further and permissions are now all in place for that to happen as and when funding is available.
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Oh I do like to be beside the Seaside!
Aug 18, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Two great images that show exactly the changes to date along the promenade in Blackpool. The first was taken in 2005 before any of the sea defence work or remodelling of the parades and headlands had started. The second image was taken on a sunny day in June this year, which shows clearly the new headlands taking shape; the most southernly two actually completed (temporarly surface for now) with Manchester Square the headland that you can see being worked on. You can also see all the newly appearing green areas on the prom!
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Laying The Foundations For Comedy!
Aug 16, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Before we move onto our seafront update blog proper I thought i would post this images that was taken from the top of the tower just the other day that shows the foundations being laid for the comedy carpet - how exciting! Also wanted to say well done Blackpool Football Club at the weekend - keep it up, changing the fortunes of the town from the inside out!!
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The best of the old and the new in Blackpool
Aug 13, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Ok we know we said the last set of images rounded up the focus on the climbing towers but we love this shot so we had to squeeze it in. We think it’s a great example of showing the best of the old and the new in Blackpool – the grand structure of the iconic Blackpool Tower framed by the new climbing towers which have been built for visitors and residents to enjoy.
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Base Camp at the Climbing Towers
Aug 11, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Rounding off the focus we have had on the climbing towers are a couple of more recent images taken since their completion and this time showing the landscaping and public realm works which have been put in place around the towers.
The final climbing tower image – this one showing Base Camp – where climbers can get themselves kitted out ready for the ascent and again the public realm works which have been carried out. We are not sure of the two people on the bench are set to enjoy the experience of scaling the climbing tower - but their dog looks keen!
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The Climbing Towers by Night - More Shots
Aug 9, 2010 - Comment on this article -
More images of the climbing towers at night – again you can see the scale of the towers if you compare them to the two figures in the foreground hidden behind the tree. Not only that, the image also shows how versatile they are – one keen climber is halfway up (or down) – despite the time of day.
The final shot of the towers at night and this one says it all really - Blackpool is changing and the climbing towers are just one example of how. They represent the regeneration going on in the town and we think you should all come to see for yourselves - and have a go on the towers if you’re brave enough...
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Blackpool Climbing Towers By Night
Aug 6, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This amazing photo shows what the towers look like when they are lit up at night – we think they look great and if you look really carefully you can see Blackpool Tower in the central background. If you can’t find it count five street lights back from the top left and there’s a tiny blue dot.
Follow the yellow brick road – well almost – the Towers do look out of this world in the photo above and they not only look great – they are fantastic fun to climb as well. If you don’t believe us then listen to what Rob Adie, Development Officer with the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) said: “It’s a great venue, the BMC liked it so much they ran the British League Championships there last year.” While Sam Sykes, of Stall, Youth development. Said: “It’s a fantastic resource for the local community, in my eyes it’s the best in the UK if not Europe.”
But let’s not forget the simple pleasure to be had in getting to the top – recreational climber Josh Lewis said: “It’s great, its exposed to the elements and it’s the closest thing to real mountain climbing there is. It’s a real rush to get to the top and best of all it’s not expensive!”
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High and Mighty Climbing Towers Construction
Aug 4, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Back down to earth with a bump after the aerial shots of the past few posts – but let’s hope the climbers who are brave enough to take on the striking Blackpool Climbing Towers (pictured here under construction) don’t suffer the same fate. The two 20m tall, eye-catching towers are one of the first things many visitors will see when they arrive in the town and we think they look fantastic – though we haven’t been brave enough to climb to the top yet! The crane to the side of the tower in the background should give you an indication of the scale of the things.
This photo is taken from the base of one of the towers and it gives you a real sense of the size again – we can also vouch for the fact that they are as tall as they look - and feel a lot taller when you are half way up them! It’s also worth noting Gordon Young – the artist designing the Comedy Carpet also designed the towers with why not associates and not only do they look great they provide a fantastic sports facility.
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Aerial Shot Central Corridor - featuring Climbing Towers
Aug 2, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Another nice image which shows the green oasis Central Corridor has become since its transformation. The playground is great fun for the kids and the climbing towers are fantastic if you can get over your fear of heights!
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Central Corridor Construction Work
Jul 30, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Just look at this - this is definitely not what you want people to be confronted with when they are arriving in the town. I don’t think anyone was very upset when this concrete monstrosity was removed and I’m sure the football fans at Blackpool FC aren’t going to miss it either – it really opens up the approach to their ground.
Here's the same area of town a little further on - we admit this may not be the most exciting picture we have posted but it does go to show the work which has been carried out to improve the area and help drivers get around town a little easier.
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Play facilities go down a storm!
Jul 28, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Here's the area pictured from our special hot air balloon following the completion of all the work in the area. You can see just how much greener and more vibrant it looks and the climbing towers and play facilities have gone down a storm as well. Sadly I'm only joking about the hot air balloon!
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Aerial Imagery Compare and Contrast
Jul 19, 2010 - Comment on this article -
One for all you aerial imagery lovers! 2001 before any work took place.
Another aerial to compare and contrast with mid-way through the works.
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Who lives in a house like this?
Jul 16, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This image shows the most recent view of the well utilised car park with all improvements including brightly coloured houses completed. The car park and surrounding area has been tidied up significantly – what a success!
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More Changes Along Seasiders Way!
Jul 16, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Bloomfield Road car park before any improvements were made - in desperate need of some sprucing up!
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Can you spot the difference? See if you can tell what is missing in this photograph mid-way through the improvements being made…
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Suits You!
Jul 13, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This picture shows the mass of grey tarmac that once spread right the way across the car park. Soon to be improved…
This shot shows the vast improvements across the car park leading all the way to the new Premier Inn. The bright lampost banners promoting Blackpool also add to the permanent improvements in this area of the town.
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What a difference a lick of paint makes!
Jul 9, 2010 - Comment on this article -
The surrounding area of this walkway looked rather unwelcoming before the regeneration work began.
What a fantastic idea to paint the back of the properties and fencing to brighten up the area. It works so well with the pathway and wall improvements and makes the walkway look spacious and much more welcoming.
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Residential revamp!
Jul 8, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This picture shows the residential area behind Bloomfield Road car park before any improvements were made.
What a difference a lick of paint can make! The properties and pathways look brilliant now alongside the renovated car park.
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Can you spot the difference?
Jul 7, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Another shot of the original stretch of road leading past the Blackpool Football Club grounds. Are you a regular at Bloomfield Road football club? If so how do you feel about the recent regeneration of this area?
Two local Blackpool supporters voice their delight about the changes in this area;
Mr R Latham felt said: “The redevelopment has created a much more welcoming environment for the fans and a more professional image of the club."
Mr N Wright seconded this view and said: "I’m Blackpool season ticket holder and think all the work that has been done is a massive improvement and looks fantastic."
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Premiership Road transformation!
Jul 2, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This photograph shows the stretch of grey tarmac that made up the car park before work began. It didn’t give off a very positive vibe to people entering and leaving the town this way.
This image shows the extent of the changes and how much it has brightened up the area. It really makes travelling this way a more enjoyable process, as a nearby worker commented:
“I am always impressed when I drive in from work down Yeadon Way and see the big open space - it gives the impression that it is an open area with no road due to the way that they have used the cobbles. It definitely gets the thumbs up from me." – Mr N Wright
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Central Corridor before and after shots
Jul 1, 2010 - Comment on this article -
The stretch of road that passes Bloomfield Road football club was really quite drab before the improvements. It was a pure and simple through-road.
Wow! The improvements along this stretch of road have made a world of difference to the area. One of our website registrants who hadn’t ventured this way for awhile made the following comment:
“Until I examined the photograph in detail I was convinced that this was an image from abroad! This area of town looks fantastic - what a positive change. – Mr J Forder, Thornton-Cleveleys
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Central Corridor before and after aerial shots
Jun 30, 2010 - Comment on this article -
These next images show the south end of the town alongside Blackpool’s well-known Bloomfield Road Football Stadium.
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University Campus final touches
Jun 23, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Andy Iredale, Communications Director at Blackpool and The Fylde College, comments below on the success of the refurbishments:
“This is the University for Blackpool. Blackpool and The Fylde College is now the place where young people and adults in our community can come and study to degree level for the real jobs in the town that are crying out for those higher level skills.”
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University Campus Blackpool
Jun 22, 2010 - Comment on this article -
It’s great to see the college being utilised and enjoyed by so many local students! The new look and updated facilities really seem to have boosted morale and improved the academic experience for those studying.
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Completed college up and running
Jun 21, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Pauline continues to talk about the success of the opening event:
“It was wonderful to see so many of our existing further and higher education learners involved in the launch event – performers, caterers, even our media make up students offering face painting for children. It just shows how talented and professional Blackpool and The Fylde College students are.”
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Blackpool's University Centre is unveiled
Jun 17, 2010 - Comment on this article -
The regenerated college launches itself as a newly refurbished University Centre. Principal Pauline Waterhouse commented on this fantastic achievement.
“The creation of a University Centre for Blackpool marks a seminal moment in the history of the town, helping accelerate its most ambitious ever regeneration programme.”“We are not only addressing the skills agenda for Blackpool, but we can now offer local people who want to embark on higher education a modern, well equipped premises where the learning and teaching experience will be first class.”
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Internal University Centre mid-construction
Jun 16, 2010 - Comment on this article -
An inside shot of the University Centre mid-way through the improvements taking place. It’s hard to imagine the completed building filled with students and teachers at this point in time!
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Schoolchildren's vision of the future set to be unveiled
Jun 14, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Schoolchildren across the Fylde Coast could soon see their vision of the future displayed in light as part of our exciting new project.
This is their chance to dream up, and paint or draw, their vision of the future of Blackpool onto a specially designed template featuring the Tower and the Big One.
Pupils from primary schools in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre will get to see their winning entries beamed onto a wall on the seafront for people to see in all their glory while one school – the overall winner - could also bag themselves £250 of art and craft supplies.
The images are set to be drawn up over the coming weeks and the winning entries will be on display in June/July.
Here’s one seven year olds vision of the future in Blackpool!
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Construction underway on the Univeristy Centre
Jun 10, 2010 - Comment on this article -
A side shot of the improvements to Blackpool’s University Centre mid-way through construction. It’s really coming along here….
The structure of the centre is really taking shape now…..I wonder how it’s looking inside?
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The transformation begins...
Jun 9, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This image shows the new section of the campus mid-construction. This extension to the back of the original building has made a world of difference to the teaching and learning provision now available at the College’s University Centre.
What a fantastic result! At the time of the College’s completion ReBlackpool’s Chief Executive Doug Garrett commented on the exciting project:
“The completion the University Centre marks an important step in the regeneration not just of the College, but the town as a whole. This will greatly enhance the facilities available to both existing students and to those young people who may attend the College in future years.”
“Along with the other key regeneration projects taking place in the town, the completion of this project raises the bar in terms of what Blackpool can deliver for residents and people thinking about moving to the area.”
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Study by the sea!
Jun 3, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Moving out from the town centre towards the mainland area of Blackpool, we will now be looking at the redevelopment of the Blackpool and Fylde College into a first-class University Centre.
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Blackpool's premiership success
May 26, 2010 - Comment on this article -
To celebrate Blackpool's Seasiders success we have added the above image courtesy of 'RangersRiver', one of our Flickr group followers.
Monday night saw Blackpool's world-famous promenade lined with local supporters chanting and cheering their home team along their victory tour. A reported 60,000 fans gathered to show their support as the towns Premiership team made their way from Gynn Square down to South Shore's Waterloo Headland.
From A Changing Blackpool - well done Seasiders!
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Completed St John's Square in twilight
May 26, 2010 - Comment on this article -
What a fantastic shot of the completed square at night! The illuminated church stands out for miles around.
What a great area for locals and visitors to enjoy right in the heart of Blackpool’s town centre – fantastic!
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St Johns side profile before and after regeneration
May 19, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This side view of St Johns Church shows a fairly busy road, lined with taxis - definately not the most pedestrian friendly area of the town!
The new wave sculpture and illuminated boulders really add some charm to the square. Can you see the blue diver fixed to the top curve?
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St Johns retail offer improvements
May 17, 2010 - Comment on this article -
The businesses along this area of the square appear hard to reach due to the traffic congestion in this image.
This newly improved area makes the shops seem much more accessible and inviting.
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St Johns church gets rejuvinated
May 14, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Although the front end of the square looks bright and airy in this photograph the available space doesn’t seem to be utilised quite as well as it could be.
This image highlights St John’s church - which is one of the central features of the square. Such a striking building needs a striking setting to surround it.
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New space created in St Johns Square
May 13, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This picture shows the square before the refurbishments took place. It looks quite congested here - hopefully the new layout will rectify this.
What a difference! The heritage work on the buildings to the right has really improved the look of the area. I’m sure those benches will be utilised in the spring and summer months!
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St John's Square regeneration improvements
May 12, 2010 - Comment on this article -
The next set of photographs will stay focused on the town centre but move towards the newly refurbished area referred to as either St John’s or Cedar Square.
These aerial shots show St John's Square before and after regeneration took place. What a difference!
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Birley Street Blackpool - what a difference!
May 7, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This picture shows work progressing nicely along Birley Street as the spaces for the arches are marked out in preparation….
Look at the completed arches in the twilight – fantastic! Why not visit Blackpool town centre one night and enjoy the free light and sound show? Two local children agree:
“I like the Brilliance Lights because they change to the beat and rhythm of the music. Also children can get exercise by running after the lights and trying to catch them" - Florence age 10
"Brilliance was Brilliant!" - Tom aged 12
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Construction on Blackpool's Birley Street continues
May 6, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This image shows work along Birley Street steaming ahead with only the finishing touches to make. Almost there now…
What a difference the improved flooring has made to the street, the developments are coming along nicely now.
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Birley Street, Blackpool is transformed by light
May 5, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This image shows Birley Street before Brilliance was implemented. This particular scheme caused a great deal of debate amongst locals and visitors with a divide in opinion over the suitability of the scheme.
The Brilliance light and sound show in full swing along Birley Street at night. It’s certainly brightened up the town centre!
Local mum Carol expressed her excitement at the new scheme: "I simply love what they've done to what would otherwise be a regular street. It's fab, fun and naturally draws you in. All of our family danced and jigged up and down the entire length of Brilliance. Especially entertaining after an enjoyable evening at the Grand Theatre." - Carol B, Lancaster
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Brilliance - Blackpool's light and sound show
Apr 30, 2010 - Comment on this article -
We’ll now move back into the town centre and take a look at how Blackpool’s sound and light show ‘Brilliance’ started out.
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Completed Blackpool Houndshill
Apr 29, 2010 - Comment on this article -
The finished product – local’s and visitors enjoying their shopping experience within the completed shopping centre.
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Houndshill shopping centre nears completion
Apr 28, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Blackpool’s landmark tower disappears from view as construction steams ahead. It wasn’t for too long though, and now the brand new building is an impressive vision from the top of the Tower.
It’s hard to visualise this circular space filled with dusk and concrete as part of Blackpool’s stunning shopping centre – what a transformation!
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Houndshill shopping centre construction steams ahead!
Apr 22, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Here we see work progressing on the construction of the new car park – making sure there are enough spaces for the future shoppers!
This shot inside the Houndshill shows just how much the skylights really brighten up the building. Light and airy spaces make retail therapy all the more enjoyable for today’s shoppers!
This image shows the progression of external work to the Houndshill car park. It’s amazing how everything comes together so quickly and what a difference it has made to the area.
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Houndshill demolition
Apr 19, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This image is of the old Albert Road multistory car park from Albert Road looking west – not much of it left now though!
This shot was taken just around the time of the groundbreaking ceremony that celebrated work actually starting to happen on this new shopping centre development. The investment into Houndshill has totaled £150m.
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Blackpool's flagship Debenhams store transformation
Apr 16, 2010 - Comment on this article -
These two shots show the coming together of the frontage of the new Houndshill Centre and the external completion of the brand spanking new Debenhams.
Caryn Dickson (Adelaide House Hotel) told us: "Since the new Houndshill Shopping Centre opened very close to us, our guests and ourselves have been incredibly impressed. The facilities are first class, parking, shops, café's, etc. Our guests (many who are OAP’s) have said how much they like the circular seating areas in the centre where they can sit whilst their partners or friends shop or even just enjoy the people watching. I am sure it is one of the reasons why our guests return
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Houndshill Shopping Centre improvements begin!
Apr 15, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This next set of images is going to move north along the coast slightly and concentrate a bit more on Blackpool town centre and look at the development of the brand spanking new Houndshill Shopping Centre. The shopping centre has increased in size threefold and was opened in August 2008. This shot is a good aerial shot that shows work just beginning on the new shopping experience!
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Family Cycle Hiring!
Apr 12, 2010 - Comment on this article -
I love these shots especially if you compare them to the first shot in the blog it shows just how far the southern end of the front has come, you couldn’t have imagined taking your family cycling along that bumpy old seafront! Fantastic to see people using the facilities and enjoying the new space.
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Cycling fun along South Promenade
Apr 9, 2010 - Comment on this article -
These shots show some more events that can now take place in this area the first being the final leg of The Tour of Britain Cycle Race.
This second shot shows the finish of the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.
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South Promenade illuminated at night
Apr 8, 2010 - Comment on this article -
Some shots here of South Promenade at night. The lighting is so much better than it has ever been and particularly noticeable around the wave wall / entrance into the car park for the sandcastle.
You quite often see kids moulding themselves inside the letters of B.E.A.C.H on the wave wall. This area is also a great place to watch the fireworks from, although they are much further North, you don’t get caught up in the traffic.
There is a really nice atmosphere as there are so many people out walking along this nice new stretch of the prom and there are a few bars, pub and cafés along here you can pop into for a drink on your way home. A far cry from the ‘before’ pictures.
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Totally Transport takes place along South Promenade
Apr 1, 2010 - Comment on this article -
There was a mini run from across the North West this year to the Totally Transport Festival at South Beach promenade and this year for the first year all the mini’s were able to park on the new headland at South Pier which made an excellent ‘exhibition area’ for all the mini’s and the owners to enjoy the festival from.
Ant Wilson, Chairman of The Leyland and District Mini Club, just one the mini clubs to attend commented: “ It was great this year because we could all park up together and have a good look at each others’ minis. It was like an outdoor arena really and we found that actually, as there were so many of us together in one place we attracted more attention than ever which really added to the atmosphere of the whole event. The weather was great too!
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South Beach Improvements
Mar 31, 2010 - Comment on this article -
These are brilliant before and after shots that show exactly what has changed here and how the area has improved.
The swiveling wind shelter featured in the ‘after’ shot won a Civic Trust award in 2007 The Trust on their write up of the windshelter said that, “the concept is fresh, interesting and exciting, giving unquestionable immediate pleasure to the user and the observer. The witty design subtly evokes a range of seaside themes and will attract people to the promenade.” Not sure about all that but I know it works, looks fab and kids have great fun trying to push it against the wind – unsuccessfully!
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Before and After
Mar 29, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This picture is taken on South Beach looking northwards towards The Sandcastle, it was taken in roughly 2000 and makes it clear what work needed to be done, not least to carry out essential sea defense works.
South Promenade in use this time! This looks like it was taken at the same time of one of the transport festivals which happen every year around this part of the prom – lovely day for it!
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A Changing Blackpool
Mar 24, 2010 - Comment on this article -
This picture is a great demonstration of how things were and how bad the promenade in this area actually was. Broken paving, dilapidated railings and sea wall, generally grey and miserable actually - very welcoming!
What a great contrast! Now that’s a promenade!
The mirror ball has become an iconic landmark in Blackpool that is featured in many shots of the town and referenced all the time, it is part of the Great Promenade Show.
The mirror ball was designed by Michael Trainer and the artwork is called ‘They Shoot Horses Don’t They’ which comes from an American film about dancing marathons and record breaking. That is exactly what happened in 2002. A dance was held underneath it to make it officially the largest dance hall mirror ball in the world! This area is used much more now by promenaders and visitors enjoying the views and setting of the new prom.
Send us your pictures of this part of the promenade - you can submit them to our Flickr group or email them to us and we will upload them for you. If they are really special we could include them in this blog.
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