An iconic UK seaside town has received a major boost after the council refused to rule out plans for a new 20,000-seat arena. The new site will be part of a wider £300 million regeneration project aimed at boosting tourism in the city.
Blackpool Council recently confirmed that the prospect of building a world-class arena, which would be used for music concerts, sporting events and exhibitions, has not been ruled out. The site design is based on an independent design proposal called Phoenix Arena Blackpool. It will accommodate approximately 20,000 spectators and will be built using low carbon and energy efficient materials.
At the end of 2025, a campaign was launched to create a world-class event space, championed by Blackpool South Labor MP Chris Webb. The council is currently seeking investment and a suitable developer to take the project forward.
The new arena will form part of an ambitious Blackpool Central regeneration project which aims to transform a 15-acre site near the Golden Mile. It is located on the site of the former Central Station and hopes to create 1,000 jobs and attract an additional 600,000 visitors a year to the city.
Plans for the site outline a range of new public spaces, including indoor leisure centres, a new historic quarter and a 70,000 sq ft public plaza. ft. The plans also include new hotels, restaurants and bars.
However, the original developer of the Blackpool Central project, Nikal Ltd., recently fell into administration, delaying the plans. Blackpool Council has now regained control of the project and is looking to appoint a new master developer.
A Blackpool Council spokesman said: “We have never ruled out an arena as a potentially good option and this has already been the subject of discussions with the developers.
“The next stage is to identify and select a suitable developer and investment partner, and this process must occur before decisions are made on the specific details of any future project. It is also important that any proposal provides year-round use and is commercially viable.”
Chris Webb MP previously said: “The state-of-the-art arena will help Blackpool host major concerts, sporting events, exhibitions and conferences throughout the year, while supporting local jobs and businesses.
“As Blackpool prepares its bid to become Britain’s City of Culture, we must think seriously about what our city can achieve.”