Blackpool's Winter Paradox: Empty Shops and a Tourism Boom
This seaside town has been crowned the best in the country, boasting a resort heritage spanning over 150 years, yet it faces significant modern challenges, including a stark contrast between summer vibrancy and winter desolation.
The Challenge of Emptiness
Blackpool, with a population of 144,000, struggles with one of the highest rates of empty shops in the UK. According to the Centre for Cities, 17.6% of retail units are closed, soaring to 30% in areas like Central Drive. The town also has the second-most abandoned buildings nationally, with one for every 45 residents. This issue is particularly evident just minutes from the iconic Blackpool Tower, where rows of boarded-up shops create a jarring scene amidst the flashing arcades.
Newly elected Labour MP Chris Webb, who won Blackpool North by promising to tackle this problem, expressed deep concern. "I am greatly concerned about it. There are far too many empty properties in the town," he stated. He highlighted the impact on deprived areas like Bloomfield, where vacancy rates deter visitors from exploring nearby attractions.
Regeneration Efforts Underway
Despite these challenges, progress is visible. During a recent visit, builders were active inside the long-vacant Odeon building, now slated to become a family entertainment megaplex by June 2026. The council has launched an Empty Properties Task Force, targeting landlords with Compulsory Purchase Orders for long-term vacant properties. Additionally, the High Street Rental Auctions initiative allows the council to lease empty shops for five years, aiming to revitalise harder-hit areas.
While these measures may not fully address Blackpool's deep-rooted deprivation or high crime rates, they represent steps toward bridging the gap between the town's two faces: the bustling summer resort and the quieter winter landscape.
Winter Tourism on the Rise
Contrary to its reputation, Blackpool is experiencing a winter tourism boom. Trainline data shows a 90% increase in winter rail trips compared to last year, with demand surging from across the UK, including a tripling of bookings from Edinburgh. This aligns with record visitor numbers in 2023, which reached 21.5 million, a 5.3% annual rise.
Affordability drives this trend, as Blackpool was recently named the UK's cheapest seaside resort. Winter offers include £1 burgers, £3.90 fish and chips, and slashed hotel rates, leveraging the town's status with the third-cheapest property prices in England and Wales. Off-season activities also attract visitors, such as the interactive Showtown Museum, which explores Blackpool's entertainment history, and year-round attractions like Coral Island, a massive arcade featuring VR tech and an indoor rollercoaster.
A Warm Welcome Amidst the Chill
Despite grey skies and frosty winds, Blackpool's community spirit shines. Locals, from bartenders to families, offer a friendly welcome, enhancing the visitor experience. MP Chris Webb notes that while the town's reputation for stag and hen dos has diminished, its 166 bars and pubs continue to provide affordable drinks and lively atmospheres. He also advocates for an indoor arena to further boost winter tourism, with talks underway with a Premier League football club.
From cultural exhibitions at the Grundy Art Gallery to performances like Derren Brown's tour at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool maintains its entertainment pedigree. As the town navigates its challenges, it remains a destination where warmth and resilience prevail, regardless of the season.
