Blackpool Tower relaunches in style
Multi-million pound restoration gives iconic UK structure new lease of life
The views from the observation platform are stunning
THE iconic UK landmark that is Blackpool Tower was relaunched on September 1 following a 10 month, multi- million pound restoration programme which has seen the 118-year-old structure given a new lease of life. First launched in 1893, the Tower has been closed to
the public since it was purchased by Blackpool Council as part of its £250m regeneration programme for the famous north west seaside town, bringing it into public ownership for the first time in its history. Since then, the council has been working in partnership with global visitor attractions operator Merlin Entertainments to restore and transform the Tower and buildings into a brand new tourist experience reminiscent of its heyday. While retaining the grandeur and heritage of the building
itself, which incorporates the magnificent Tower Ballroom and the Tower Circus, two of Merlin’s most contemporary attractions have now also been added to the venue. The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, the seventh such attraction in the world, offers visitors a fun walk through some of the north west’s most “horrible history,” while the Blackpool Tower Eye with 4D experience provides a 4D film experience prior to a trip up the Tower. The film provides details on the town and the construction
RIGHT: The new SkyWalk on the observation deck will have many a heart fluttering!
of its world famous Tower, with suitable special effects, and is housed under the impressive steel arches of the structure, which have been exposed for the first time. It also acts as a pre-show before guests take their “flight” to the Blackpool Tower Eye (the viewing platform) 381ft (116m) above the promenade.
20 InterPark September–October 2011 From the “flight deck” guests are guided into lifts to
ascend to the Tower Eye where, on exiting the lifts, they are immediately confronted by the new Skywalk, a 4.15 tonne glass floor, and floor to ceiling glass observation “wall” which runs along an entire side of the Tower Eye. The views are spectacular, while the glass floor adds another exciting dimension to the whole experience. Although the Tower was closed during the renovation
period, the Tower Circus and ballroom remained open and with the whole venue once again available to the public, Merlin now operates eight attractions in the town.
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