Blackpool's historic Winter Gardens is embarking on a significant new phase as its management transitions to the council's wholly owned tourism company, marking what officials describe as an essential strategic development for the resort.
A Strategic Consolidation of Leisure Assets
In a decisive move approved by the council's Shareholder Committee in late January, the operation of the Grade II listed Winter Gardens will shift from the Blackpool Entertainment Company Ltd (BECL) to Blackpool Tourism Ltd (BTL). This restructuring involves dissolving BECL and transferring all its assets and employees to BTL, creating a single operator for the council's leisure portfolio for the first time.
The council emphasises that this consolidation will facilitate a long-term, coordinated approach to managing key tourism assets while preserving the heritage of one of Blackpool's most cherished buildings. The Winter Gardens, an iconic venue central to the town's cultural identity, will benefit from integrated management under this new framework.
Foundations of Blackpool Tourism Limited
Established in June 2025, Blackpool Tourism Limited was founded with the explicit purpose of bringing council-owned attractions under local management. Its mission focuses on fostering a sustainable economic future, increasing employment opportunities for local residents, and strengthening collaboration across the wider visitor economy.
Kate Shane MBE, managing director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, commented: "This is an exciting and vital step for one of Blackpool's most iconic venues. Bringing the Winter Gardens into Blackpool Tourism Ltd will deliver significant benefits, including a more strategic approach to event sales."
She added: "We aim to showcase Blackpool's live entertainment to a broader audience while achieving greater operational efficiency through shared resources, expertise, and infrastructure. 2026 is a landmark year for the Winter Gardens, celebrating 100 years of the Blackpool Dance Festival and 130 years of the Empress Ballroom. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the team to build upon this remarkable legacy."
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
Cllr Lynn Williams MBE, leader of Blackpool Council, highlighted the broader economic implications: "Our tourism and visitor economy supports thousands of local jobs, ranging from direct employment in attractions to businesses within the supply chain or benefiting from expenditure during large events in hotels, restaurants, and bars."
She explained: "This move enhances the alignment of our tourism offerings, providing improved services for both residents and visitors. To secure a sustainable economic future for our town, we must perceive Blackpool's tourism industry as a unified entity rather than a collection of individual venues."
Operational Integration and Future Prospects
Since August 2025, the Winter Gardens has already received support from the management team at Blackpool Tourism Limited, with positive outcomes observed from this preliminary collaboration. The formal transfer is seen as a logical progression to consolidate all council leisure assets under one company.
Cllr Williams concluded: "This demonstrates our commitment to leading by example in delivering a stronger, more resilient visitor economy and creating additional opportunities for local people." The council anticipates that this unified management structure will not only safeguard the Winter Gardens' heritage but also drive innovation and growth in Blackpool's tourism sector, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for entertainment and cultural events.
