DOCSLIB.ORG

Illuminations Investment Scrutiny Final Report

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Illuminations Investment Scrutiny Final Report Blackpool Council Overview and Scrutiny - Improving Services for the Community ILLUMINATIONS INVESTMENT SCRUTINY FINAL REPORT Illuminations Investment FINAL REPORT Blackpool Council Overview and Scrutiny - Improving Services for the Community CONTENTS PAGE 1.0 Foreword by Chairman 3 2.0 Background Information 4 3.0 Methodology 5 4.0 Detailed Findings and Recommendations 4.1 Promenade Collections and Small Scale 5 Donations 4.2 Sponsorship 7 4.3 Local Business Collections 8 4.4 Memorabilia Sales 10 4.5 Car Parking 11 4.6 Events 11 4.7 External Funding 12 5.0 Conclusion 13 6.0 Financial and Legal Considerations 13 Action Plan 16 Appendix A – Meetings of the Working Group Illuminations Investment Page 2 of 22 FINAL REPORT Blackpool Council Overview and Scrutiny - Improving Services for the Community 1.0 Foreword Blackpool Illuminations are the number one tourist attraction in Blackpool, generating tremendous visitor numbers and trade for the town. They are a unique, world famous series of events, extending the tourist season and providing revenue for businesses and employment for local people. The Illuminations are a significant financial commitment for the Local Authority, especially in difficult economic times. In the past, a significant amount of the funding for the illuminations has been provided by donations from the private sector, collections from the public and sponsorship. However, this funding has decreased significantly in recent years. The Tourism and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed to investigate this issue, while analysing alternative methods for generating increased funding directly for the Illuminations. A part of the scrutiny review process, Members examined why businesses, both large and small, now donate so little money, why the direct collections from the public have declined and why merchandising and sponsorship have never really proved significant. As a result, we have produced a series of recommendations covering all these areas and hope that most of them can be pursued for the benefit of the town. We have also given due regard to financial implications as we are aware that all Local Authorities are facing significant budgetary restraints, both in the short and long term. Therefore, we have tried to ensure that the recommendations have no financial implications or will be able to return the initial necessary expenditure through generating increased income on a long-term basis. On behalf of the Working Group, I would like to thank the officers within visitBlackpool and the Council’s Illuminations department who contributed to this scrutiny review so that it could be completed in a timely manner. I also freely acknowledge the help and assistance given to me by the other Councillors on the Committee. Councillor Robert Wynne Chairman of the Tourism and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee July 2010 Illuminations Investment Page 3 of 22 FINAL REPORT Blackpool Council Overview and Scrutiny - Improving Services for the Community 2.0 Background Information 2.1 In January 2010, the Tourism and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered a report which detailed the current sources of investment to the Council’s Illuminations. These included the Promenade collection, a collection from local businesses and from the sponsorship of features. The revenue generated by these ‘traditional’ methods has been declining year-on-year for the last couple of decades. For example, donations from visitors and local business have declined from £353,500 in 2002/03 to £147,700 in 2008/09. This situation means that unless other resources become available, there will be a very limited capacity to build new features to refresh the annual lighting display. Much of the core funding from the Council is exhausted in erecting, dismantling and maintaining the nine-week event. 2.3 There have been a number of attempts to generate investment through alternative methods, such as through branding of the event and the sale of Illuminations memorabilia. However, all but one of those initiatives have either lost money or broken even. Furthermore, the availability of Government grants and funding for the Illuminations is likely to diminish and the contracting out of the Illuminations service cannot guarantee cost savings or improved delivery. In light of these issues, Members consider that it was essential that a detailed exploration and assessment of potential sources of investment to secure a sustainable funding stream to the Illuminations. 2.4 It was therefore agreed in January 2010 that an Illuminations Investment Scrutiny Working Group be established. Councillors Julian Minuer, Robert Wynne, Tony Brown and Fred Jackson volunteered to sit on the Working Group and upon first meeting, agreed to the following objective: “to ascertain sources of funding and investment to improve and sustain the provision of Illuminations in Blackpool.” 2.5 In April 2010, Councillor Jackson was replaced by Councillor Gary Coleman on the Tourism and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and therefore also on the Working Group, for the Municipal Year 2009/10. 2.6 Issues that were considered throughout the course of the review included: • Background information relating to current sources of investment. • An outline of alternative investment attempts and an analysis of why these were unsuccessful, relating to the following: - small scale donations - sponsorship / advertising - street collections - memorabilia sales - toll charging - events - external funding • The level of investment/sponsorship required to sustain the Illuminations. • An investigation into potential investment sources, with careful consideration of brand image. Illuminations Investment Page 4 of 22 FINAL REPORT Blackpool Council Overview and Scrutiny - Improving Services for the Community 2.7 Blackpool Council Corporate Plan 2010/11 2.7.1 It was identified that the scrutiny review would help the Council to achieve the following goal and objective as outlined in the Corporate Plan 2010/11, including: Goal 1 – Improve Blackpool’s Economic Prosperity • Provide high quality, all year-round reasons to come to Blackpool. 3.0 Methodology 3.1 During the review, the Working Group consulted with visitBlackpool and the Illuminations division to discuss the strengths and limitations of previous funding methods and consider alternative techniques to increase sources of income and evaluate sponsorship opportunities. An outline of the meetings is attached at Appendix A. 4.0 Detailed Findings and Recommendations 4.0.1 The following evidence outlines the background information relating to previous funding and investment attempts for the Illuminations, together with recommendations relating to solutions that the Working Group believes will attract increased funding. 4.1 Promenade Collections and Small Scale Donations 4.1.1 Members consulted with the Illuminations division and the Assistant Director for Enterprise and Business Development to gather evidence and information on the collection of small scale donations. This is principally undertaken via designated collection huts that are located at the start and end points of the Illuminations along the Promenade, to encourage passing motorists to donate to the Illuminations. On average, this yields around £114,000 per year. Other forms of small scale donations are acquired through collection boxes, the Friends of the Illuminations scheme and a bucket roving collection, which in total generates on average an additional £4,000 per year. 4.1.2 The level of funding acquired through the Promenade collection system has been declining progressively over the past decade, suggesting that visitors are becoming increasingly reluctant to donate to the attraction. For example, officers from the Illuminations division and visitBlackpool reported that in their experience, some visitors used alternative routes to purposely avoid the collection points along the Promenade. 4.1.3 The Working Group considers that the image of the collection huts is outdated and uninviting. They have not had a revamp in a number of years and do not actively encourage donations. Therefore, Members recommend that the collection huts be redesigned and enhanced to provide a more entertaining and interactive service to visitors, which would add to the overall Illuminations experience. Illuminations Investment Page 5 of 22 FINAL REPORT Blackpool Council Overview and Scrutiny - Improving Services for the Community 4.1.4 Members are conscious that the Council is facing severe budgetary constraints and has more pressing priorities than investment in the revamp of collection huts; however, they would like to point out that any spend on the huts would be a valuable investment as it will generate increased donations and achieve an enhanced tourism experience. Furthermore, consideration to the sponsorship of the huts should also be explored as a means of paying for the revamp and continued maintenance. Recommendation 1 That the Promenade collection huts are improved / made more interactive, with consideration made to sponsorship opportunities. 4.1.5 It was also considered that the collection employees operating the huts could also provide a more interactive and entertaining service for visitors. For example, their uniforms could be more visually appealing and represent a Blackpool theme. Members note that the uniforms will still need to retain the necessary safety elements due to the location of staff on the highway. Both Recommendations 1 and 2 are supported by the Illuminations
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Jump Into Ireland - Where Your Holiday Dreams Come True!
    We will never be Autumn 2018 Issue beaten on a ‘like-for-like’ quote Jump into Ireland - where your holiday dreams come true! Ireland has always been one of our best-selling A wonderful world destinations that draws groups back time and time again of choice... as there is simply so much to see and do. It’s a warm, welcoming island just waiting to be explored, with something new and exciting around Welcome to our 2019 Go Travelling issue every twist and turn in the road. Find a sample of Ireland tours on pages 24 to 27, designed especially for group organisers. and to whet your appetite, here’s a taste of what you will discover as you read on... It is filled with a selection of enticing suggestions from our extensive product range, that we hope will provide you with some inspiration on where to Dublin & The Wonders of Wicklow travel on your next group holiday. 5 days, half board by coach from £399 You’ll find that most of our prices include the Selected dates from April to October in 2019 services of a just for groups! Tour Escort as a helping hand to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our wonders of Wicklow tour is based in the Day 3: Today we enjoy a full day, heading Many of the tours featured also include lots of lovely resort of Bray where the Promenade first for an included visit to the magnificent admissions, often worth up to £50 or more! starts from the harbour near Martello Terrace, Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall, before Whatever your requirements may be, we are happy the childhood home of James Joyce, and ends spending time at leisure in Dublin.
    [Show full text]
  • Sculptural Serenity: an Open Air Extravaganza on Blackpool’S Promenade Introduction
    SCULPTURAL SERENITY: AN OPEN AIR EXTRAVAGANZA ON BLACKPOOL’S PROMENADE INTRODUCTION When the opportunity to travel comes back into our lives in 2021, outdoor space, and the chance to explore new facets within it, are likely to be highly valued. The so-called ‘staycation’ is predicted to be the number one holiday trend this year and we may, for some time, need to do our own thing, keeping our distance from others, to keep everyone safe. If there is one thing Blackpool – and the rest of our Fylde coastline – has in abundance, it is open space. We are all said to have fallen in love with nature during lockdowns and our fabulous seafront offers every opportunity to explore its call, whether you listen to crashing waves, watch the sand change colour as the tide recedes, or pay attention to the cries of the herring gulls overhead. We reflect the colours of Blackpool within our luxury self- catering holiday apartments, using the ‘Left Coast Colour Palette’ within each one’s individual branding and interior. What we really want to do, of course, is get our visitors outdoors, exploring these for themselves and discovering new facets to Blackpool and its surrounding towns and villages. To help you do that whenever you can, whilst (for now) giving you something new to learn about Blackpool, we have put together our little guide to some stunning things, remarkable, unusual and poignant, which you can see, when you step outside our door. If you want to walk with added purpose, get carried away with your camera whilst trying to take artistic shots, or cycle and take in sea air, this guide will provide something for you to look out for, ponder, debate and discuss with the dog, perhaps, if he or she is also staying with us! We hope it will bring you some added pleasure, at a time when the outdoors and open spaces will have to continue to be our sanctuary.
    [Show full text]
  • 2021 Collection Brilliant Value Short Breaks & Holidays by Coach
    Enjoy Britain & Ireland Get away from only £59! 2021 Collection Brilliant value short breaks & holidays by coach February - December 2021 ...also featuring From Chester-le-Street, Durham, South Shields, Sunderland & Washington © Visit Jersey © Visit A WARM WELCOME A WARM Welcome from to the National Holidays Collection for 2021 only We're delighted to bring you a fantastic selection of weekends, short breaks and holidays for 2021, throughout Britain and Ireland, all with the comfort of coach travel and the assurance £59! of quality hotel accommodation. Sit back, relax and enjoy a well-deserved getaway with National Holidays. What a year 2020 was! We hope you As you may already know, last year the have been keeping well and looking National Holidays brand was acquired after yourself during such challenging by the JG Travel Group, who have times and we’d like to thank you operated UK and European breaks for very much for your support during a 25 years through Just Go! Holidays difficult year. and Omega Breaks. This means that We’re looking forward to brighter we can now offer you an even larger choice of destinations! Don’t worry, times, and with the appropriate the majority of holidays you know and safety measures in place, our New love are still available, all your usual Year’s resolution is to really make the pickup points will remain the same, most out of life; to relax; to eat more prices will be similar and you will even ice cream (and less banana bread); to live in the moment; to get out on more find a small selection of former Bay walks; to pick more flowers, and of course; to travel! hotels that have now reopened under new management.
    [Show full text]
  • Sample Pages Sample Pages
    SAMPLESAMPLE PAGESPAGES The 80-page, A4 handbook for Lancashire’s Seaside Heritage, with text, photographs, maps, appendices and a reading list, is available for purchase, price £15.00 including postage and packing. Please send a cheque, payable to Mike Higginbottom, to – 63 Vivian Road Sheffield S5 6WJ Lancashire’sLancashire’s SeasideSeaside HeritageHeritage North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 6BN 01253-876525 Wednesday July 10th-Monday July 15th 2013 2 Contents Introduction .................................................................................... 7 Fleetwood ....................................................................................... 9 Blackpool ...................................................................................... 13 Lytham St Annes ............................................................................ 43 Southport ..................................................................................... 48 Morecambe ................................................................................... 55 Background reading ........................................................................ 72 Appendices: 1. Late nineteenth-century British steel towers ....................................................... 73 2. Blackpool trams: twentieth-century evolution ................................................... 73 3. Heads of the Clifton family of Lytham .............................................................. 77 4. The wreck of the Mexico ..............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Missing Gretyl
    What’s on in Blackpool Diary May – Dec 2012 With compliments from the Rio Rita Hotel in Blackpool www.riorita.co.uk Tel: 01253 345203 May 4- 6 May “Spring Saver” Northern Soul Weekender The Blackpool Tower Ballroom 12 – 13 May Thundersports Netball Weekend Blackpool Sports Centre West Park Drive 13 May Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10k Fun Run Start Hilton Hotel , Promenade Course 24 May- 1 June Blackpool Dance Festival Empress Ballroom Winter Gardens 27 May Blackpool Beach 10k Run Start from the beach opposite the Solaris June 2 – 5 June Queens Diamond Jubilee Weekend TBC 3 June Stanley Park 5 Mile Trail Race Stanley Park 4 International Cycling “North West Youth Tour” Promenade, Lower Walk Bispham 9-10 George Formby Convention Imperial Convention 9-10 June Blackpool Pride TBC 10 June Blackpool Triathlon TBC TBC Blackpool Beach Grand National TBC 10 June Manchester to Blackpool Car Run TBC 16th June Elton John Concert Tower festival Headland 15- 17 June Sand Sea and Spray (Urban Arts) Venues to be confirmed 21 June-2 Aug. Miss Blackpool Heats Uncle Tom’s Cabin 22 June Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebration Tower Festival Headlland 22 June Tower Festival Headland Concert Tower Festival Headland Promenade 24 June McFly/The Wanted Concert Tower Festival Headland 22 June – 4 July World Pool Championships Imperial Hotel 23 June – 1 July Blackpool Armed Forces’ and Veterans’ Week Various locations Mid June – end of The Pollinations Winter Gardens August 1 23 June Civic Trust Fun Day St John’s Square Town Centre June Marton Institute Welcomes the Armed Forces Oxford Square 24 June Totally Transport New South Promenade & Ocean Boulevard 25 June Blackpool Armed Forces’ Flag Raising Ceremony Flown from Blackpool Tower.
    [Show full text]
  • Day Trip Front Cover
    Our main pick up points are: Bishops Itchington, Dunchurch, 2016 Harbury, Leamington Spa, Lillington, Long Itchington, Napton, Rugby, Southam, Stockton, Warwick and Whitnash (Other pick ups may be available upon request) To make your reservation, please either visit us at our office or call into one of our agents below who will be happy to help you: Jordans, 14 High Street, Leamington Spa, CV31 3AN Rugby Visitors Centre, Rugby Library, Little Elborow St, Rugby, CV21 3BZ We hope you enjoy your day out with us and if you fancy a great holiday with Door to Door service, give us a call for this years Holidays! Catteralls of Southam 74 Coventry Street, Southam, Warwickshire, CV47 0EA Tel: 01926 813192 / 813840 [email protected] www.travelcatteralls.co.uk Full payment is required when you book onto one of our day Welcome to our 2016 Day trip brochure. excursions, we do not accept provisional bookings. Highlights include: Children are classed as between the ages of 3 and 12 years of age The Historic Dockyard at Chatham in March, inclusive on the date of travel. If there is an exception to this, it is listed in the excursion details and will be due to the attraction A visit to Waddesdon Manor with Cream Tea in April, you are visiting. Passengers over 12 years old, unless specified, must pay the adult fare. Infants under 3 years old are free of The Museum of The Great Railway at Swindon in May, charge as long as they do not occupy a seat on the coach. If you 40’s and 50’s Music at Helmingham Hall Gardens, wish for your infant to have their own seat, a fare will be charged.
    [Show full text]
  • Illuminations Photograph Listing
    Illuminations Photograph collection Listing Compiled by Alan M Greenhalgh Miscellaneous 1950s/1960s ???? pg.1&2 Poulton New Road Pylons 1955 pg.3 Snake Pylons 1960 pg.4 Twin bracket (scrapped) Pylons ???? pg.5 Star and circle (sold) Pylons 1953 pg.6 Bouy Pylons 1955/56 pg.7 Beacon Pylons 1956 pg.8 Strip with animated top Pylons 1959 pg.9 Cherry Pylons 1958 pg.10 Cluster Pylons 1959 pg.11 Posthorn Pylons 1959 pg.12 Spray Pylons 1955 pg.13 Pinwheel Pylons 1958 pg.14 Star Burst Pylons 1958 pg.15 Prince of Wales feathers Pylons ???? pg.16 Half Pylons 1960 pg.17 Fibre glass peacocks Pylons 1950/53 pg.18 Cage Pylons 1957 pg.19 Modern Pylons 1958 pg.20 Short tubular Pylons ???? pg.21 Box Pylons 1956 pg.22 Jazz Pylons 1960 pg.23 Vase Pylons 1950 pg.24 Three small arches, Carleton Parade Arch 1960 pg.25 Metal arch Watson Road Arch 1960 pg.25 Metal arch Manchester Square Arch 1950/51 pg.26 Metal arch Harrowside Arch 1950/51 pg.27 Metal arch Waterloo Road Arch 1957 pg.28 Mermaid arch Station Road Arch 1956 pg.29 Arts arch Manchester Square Arch 1957 pg.30 ‘Star Arch’ (or Bispham) Arch 1960/61 pg.31 South Shore/Welcome Arch ???? pg.32 Unidentified photograph of arch framework Arch 1960/61 pg.33 Christmas tree lighting – locations and specifications Christmas Feature 1956 pg.34 Sleigh scene (sold) Christmas Feature 1959 pg.35 Father Christmas circular design Christmas Feature 1959 pg.36 Christmas centre design Christmas Feature 1957/61 pg.37 Fir trees (including sale details) Christmas Feature 1960/61 pg.38-40 R.H.O.
    [Show full text]
  • Business Case
    Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway Extension to Blackpool North Station Full Business Case November 2017 Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway Extension to Blackpool North Station FBC Final 03112017 Contents Executive Summary 1 1 Introduction 6 1.1 Background 6 1.2 Purpose of Document 8 1.3 Other Documentation 8 1.4 Document Structure 9 2 Scheme History & Scheme Description 10 2.1 Introduction 10 2.2 Scheme History 12 2.3 Scheme Description 13 3 The Strategic Case 16 3.1 Introduction 16 3.2 Existing Arrangements 17 3.3 Behavioural Barriers 33 3.4 Scheme Objectives 34 3.5 Proposals / Option Assessment Report 38 3.6 Strategic Fit 44 3.7 Political Support 51 3.8 Stakeholders 51 3.9 Internal or External Business Drivers 54 3.10 Synergy 55 3.11 Conclusion 56 4 The Economic Case 58 4.1 Introduction 58 4.2 Methodology 58 4.3 Assumptions 65 4.4 Transport Economic Efficiency and Public Accounts 71 4.5 Safety Benefits 73 4.6 Environmental and Social Impacts 73 4.7 Distributional Impacts 79 4.8 Wider Impacts 83 4.9 Appraisal Summary Table 86 4.10 Value for Money Statement 86 4.11 Conclusion 89 5 The Financial Case 90 5.1 Introduction 90 5.2 Methodology 90 5.3 Assumptions 94 5.4 Base Costs 94 Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway Extension to Blackpool North Station FBC Final 03112017 5.5 Quantified Risk Assessment 95 5.6 Scheme Costs Adjusted for Risk 98 5.7 Preferred Funding Arrangements 98 5.8 Alternative Funding Arrangements 99 5.9 Conclusion 99 6 The Commercial Case 100 6.1 Introduction 100 6.2 Procurement Method 100 6.3 Programme Implications and Risk 108
    [Show full text]
  • Proposed Winter Garden Hotel
    Computer Generated Image Proposed Winter Garden Hotel LAND AT ADELAIDE STREET • ALFRED STREET AND LEOPOLD GROVE BLACKPOOL Computer Generated Image Computer Generated Image Computer Generated Image Proposed Winter Garden Hotel LAND AT ADELAIDE STREET, ALFRED STREET AND LEOPOLD GROVE, BLACKPOOL DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW A rectangular development site situated in a prominent location in Blackpool town centre and adjacent to one of Blackpool’s most iconic landmarks, the Grade II* listed Winter Gardens entertainment complex. The site comprises a surface level, public car park adjacent to a 25,000 sq ft conference centre under construction due for completion in late 2019. Computer Generated Image The site benefits from outline planning permission (planning ref: 18/0159) for the erection of a five storey building comprising a 203 key hotel with gym/spa, restaurant, café/bar facilities and a lower ground car park. Proposed scheme includes a second floor link access into the Winter Gardens Conference and Event Centre. Total proposed GIA of the building is 10,621 sq m (114,323 sq ft) plus 2,416 sq m (26,006 sq ft) car park. The site is held freehold with vacant possession. Your attention is drawn to the Important Notice on the last page of the text Computer Generated Image Computer Generated Image LOCATION Blackpool is one of Britain’s oldest and most famous seaside resorts attracting millions of visitors each year. It’s famous attractions include Blackpool Tower, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Illuminations. Lytham St Annes is located approximately six miles to the south of the site and provides the opportunity to play the world famous Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Course.
    [Show full text]
  • Core Strategy Preferred Option
    Blackpool Core Strategy Pr eferred Option Development Plan Document April 2010 Building a better community for all Please Let Us Know Your Views It is essential the views of Blackpool’s residents, businesses, organisations and all interested parties are made known to help us together to shape Blackpool’s future development. There are 2 main ways in which you can comment on the Council’s Core Strategy Preferred Option: 1. Use the Council’s on-line consultation portal by visiting the following website: http://consult.blackpool.gov.uk/portal 2. You can also send in your views on the “Comments Form” at the back of this document by e mail to: [email protected] or by post to the address below: Planning Department, Development Plans, Blackpool Council, PO Box 17, Corporation Street, Blackpool, FY1 1LZ. Further copies of the Comments Form are available from the Council’s main offices or on- line from the Council’s website at: www.blackpool.gov.uk/corestrategy2010 The Policies and Proposals of the Core Strategy will affect everyone that lives, works or visits Blackpool – so please get involved and have your say. The following policy framework does not represent the final version of the Core Strategy but is the main opportunity for public comment. Please refer to the Key Diagram (p25) which summarises and illustrates Blackpool’s Core Strategy proposals to 2026. The Ordnance Survey mapping included within this document is provided by Blackpool Borough Council under licence from the Ordnance Survey in order to fulfil its public function to make available Council held public domain information.
    [Show full text]
  • Blackpool's Seaside Heritage
    Blackpool’s Seaside Heritage Barcode to be placed here Blackpool’s Seaside Heritage Blackpool’s Seaside Heritage Allan Brodie and Matthew Whitfield Published by English Heritage, The Engine House, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon SN2 2EH www.english-heritage.org.uk English Heritage is the Government’s statutory adviser on all aspects of the historic environment. Front cover © English Heritage 2014 In recent years Blackpool’s seafront has been widened, new trams have Images (except as otherwise shown) © English Heritage or © Crown copyright. EH. been created and giant dune grass sculptures sway in the wind. The Figs 12 and 42 are © and database right Crown Copyright and Landmark Information Group Ltd iconic Tower is in the middle of a (All rights reserved 2014). Licence numbers 00394 and TP0024. lengthy restoration programme. [DP154540] First published 2014 Inside front cover They Shoot Horses Don’t They?, ISBN 978-1-84802-110-5 the world’s largest mirrorball, Product code 51673 was designed by the artist Michael Trainor and was placed on the new sea defences near the Pleasure Beach British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data in 2002. A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. [AA053279] All rights reserved Acknowledgements page No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or Detail from panelling in refereshment mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without room in the Opera House at the permission in writing from the publisher. Winter Gardens. [DP117396] Application for the reproduction of images should be made to English Heritage.
    [Show full text]
  • The Politics and Realities of One Cultural Landscape­Conference Paper 1.2
    The Politics and Realities of One Cultural Landscape-conference paper 1.2 The Politics and Realities of One Cultural Landscape This paper is about Blackpool, the seaside holiday resort in Northwest England that was the first mass working class holiday resort in the world. It is not deeply academic, but it is real. It is about a cultural landscape which played a vital role in the development of the industrial society and which is deeply embedded in the hearts, minds and souls of millions of people. It is also a living landscape which needs to grow and develop, whilst being true to its past. This paper describes the challenges and opportunities of living with this weighty legacy. Introduction and scene setting Blackpool does not claim to be the first seaside resort, but we believe it was the first mass seaside resort for the working classes. This paper is not a history lesson, but a brief introduction will help to set the scene. For this section we are wholly indebted to Professor John Walton of Leeds Metropolitan University's Institute of Northern Studies, who is the leading world expert on Blackpool and the development of the seaside resort. Blackpool began as a few scattered farms. There was some fishing, but no port or major commercial activities. The land was divided amongst small yeoman farmers with no major landowners, a fact which was to be significant in the development of the town. It was not until the 1770s and 80s that people from the professional classes began to make their way to this part of the coast.
    [Show full text]