A NEW “world-class” arena is being plotted for an iconic UK seaside resort.
The Government has pledged £20million to explore the possibility of bringing the development to life.
A new indoor arena has been proposed for Blackpool, as part of the area’s continued bid to become the UK’s City of Culture for 2029.
Currently dubbed the Phoenix Pavilion Arena, the venue would become the focal point of the city’s wider regeneration strategy.
With a proposed capacity of 15,000 to 20,000, Carters Building Consultancy said the site would host major concerts, sporting events, festivals, trade shows and live performances.
It would also create a new waterfront hospitality area, with cafes, bars and restaurants facing the promenade.
Blackpool South MP, Chris Webb, began a petition in November last year supporting the proposal, which has since been signed by thousands of local residents.
As a result, the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, has now pledged £20million to explore the next stage of the development.
Webb said: “This funding gives Blackpool the opportunity to properly test whether the project is commercially viable and put us in the strongest possible position to attract an experienced private-sector partner with the expertise to develop, operate and programme a world-class venue.
“It has the potential to attract visitors throughout the year, support our hotels, restaurants and local businesses, create high-quality jobs and strengthen Blackpool’s position as the UK’s entertainment capital.”
The investment will assess whether the construction of the arena is financially feasible and whether it would be the right investment for the area.
It also places the proposal in a better position to attract private investors.
This comes as part of Blackpool’s £2billion regeneration program set to transform the seaside city.
Completed projects include the Talbot Road tramway extension – which connected the Promenade to Blackpool North railway station – and construction is currently underway on a new £65million, high-tech university campus.