Don’t dim Blackpool’s sparkle, says academic
A LEADING academic will today call on regeneration chiefs in Blackpool not to extinguish the town’s “unique character” through their efforts to improve the town.
Dr Steve Millington, of Manchester Metropolitan University, is to speak at the Royal Geographical Society’s annal conference in London today where he will present the findings of a research project examining the reasons why visitors visited Blackpool, and particularly its illuminations.
“Blackpool, with high levels of unemployment and associated social problems, however, urgently needs the new investment and regeneration beginning to take place in the town. Yet, as my research shows, there is a real danger that making changes to the Blackpool ‘experience’ with ‘clone town’ identikit redevelopment schemes will ‘throw out the baby with the bathwater’.
“Visitors return to the town because it is different. Future developments in the town need to recognise and build on its heritage and history and make sure they don’t lose the visitors – young and old – who at the moment give the town a good balance in its night-time economy.
The research, which was carried out alongside his colleague Dr Tim Endesor, identified the illuminations as being “at the heart of the town’s heritage and character” .
“For many (it is) the main reason why they choose to return year after year at end of the holiday season,” he said.
“Electric lighting, in Blackpool as elsewhere, is key to the town’s identity and heritage. Its brash and antiquated lighting and use of ‘old technology’ provides the very ‘faded seaside’ charm that attracts so many to visit.
“The annual visit to Blackpool is a tradition handed down through generations and while some may see Blackpool’s visitor numbers as disappointing, in reality, the town’s footfall is the envy of many seaside towns.”
