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Lancastrian Transport Trust (LTT) is developing proposals
for the possible conversion of a largely redundant tram station into a tramway
and illuminations visitor centre.
Location
Bispham Tram Station enjoys a prominent location on Blackpool Promenade opposite Red Bank Road shopping
area and at the northern end of Blackpool's famous autumn
illuminations.
Blackpool Borough Council invited organisations to submit proposals for the conversion of the building for
purposes “related to the Tourist Industry” with a “design theme relating to the tramway” in February 2005.
Substantial conversion work is required to make the building suitable for commercial purposes and this, coupled with a requirement to fund relocation of facilities for Blackpool Transport, is thought to have diminished any serious interest in private sector involvement.
The tram station was constructed in 1932 at a time when Bispham was a focal point for terminating tram services. Crews from Bispham tram depot (located on the site now occupied by Sainsbury's car park on Red Bank Road) would start and finish many of their duties at "Bispham top" on the frequent North Station to Fleetwood service.
The importance of the station has declined in recent years with the downturn in both visitor numbers and tram passengers. However, Bispham is still a popular destination for extra trams not operating the timetabled services to Cleveleys and Fleetwood during the summer and illuminations.
Blackpool Transport, the tramway operator, still retain a presence in the tram station for basic staff facilities during the summer season but otherwise the building is largely disused.
Opportunity
Recent works at the
Solaris complex on New South Promenade and the Stanley Park visitor centre show just what can be done
to convert prominent buildings into worthwhile
projects that benefit the community. Bispham Station could be one of
the next Council-owned structures to receive such a makeover. It
is intended to consult other organisations to enlist support for the
project and funding sources are now being examined by the LTT.
Contact Philip Higgs on
01253 508074 if you would like to find out more.
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