Plans have been unveiled for the biggest single investment in Blackpool’s tourism industry for more than a century.

The £300 million (€335m/$385m) Blackpool Central development will bring world-class visitor attractions to a landmark site on the famous Golden Mile (promenade) along with new hotels, restaurants, a food market, event square, residential apartments and multi-storey car parking.

The masterplan for the long-awaited redevelopment is inspired by Chariots Of The Gods. Written by Swiss author Erich Von Däniken, it explores alien encounters and unsolved mysteries of ancient civilisations.

The UK’s first flying theatre will be featured as part of the project

The anchor attraction of the 17-acre (6.9 hectare) development will be the UK’s first flying theatre, complete with on-board special effects, state-of-the-art projection and surround sound. Another media-based ofering will be a virtual reality experience on “an epic scale” with free-roam, multi-player capability, body tracking and motion simulators. There will also be a multimedia exhibition exploring extra-terrestrial influences on the great ancient civilisations.

The Adventure Land FEC promises such attractions as free-fall hang gliding, rope courses, adventure trails and interactive climbing walls. In addition, a fully-themed thrill and gaming zone with feature family rides, arcade games, laser tag, a bounce park and bumper cars. An Alien Diner is also promised, with “roller coaster” table service and hourly special effects shows.

The project is a collaboration between UK-based development company Nikal Ltd and Media Invest Entertainment, which owns the rights to Chariots Of The Gods. Located close to Central Pier, the development will also incorporate Merlin Entertainments’ existing Sea Life and Madame Tussauds attractions.

It is estimated that once completed, Blackpool Central will attract 600,000 additional visitors a year to the town with a combined annual spend of £75m. It will also create around 1,000 new jobs.
“The overall development has the potential to be a game changer for our visitor economy,” says the Leader of Blackpool Council, Cllr Simon Blackburn. “We have long stated that a key objective is to create a year-round destination that can sustain full-time employment. Blackpool Central will play a major part in that ambition.”

Work could start in early 2020, with the first phase set to open in spring 2024. This will include an artisan food hall and event square incorporating a stage and video wall which will be used to host themed markets, open-air concerts and events. A new 150-bedroom promenade hotel is also planned.

It is envisaged the project will be delivered in several phases over an eight to nine year period. Phase two will include apartments, further food and drink outlets, a second hotel comprising 250 rooms and an additional landscaped public open space. Future phases to the southern end of the site will include further leisure attractions, residential apartments and a music venue/nightclub.

“The unique theme of Chariots Of The Gods will merge entertainment, culture and history – an enthralling ‘Edutainment’ experience for the whole family – that can be enjoyed all year round,” promises Norbert Reichart, CEO of Media Invest Entertainment. “Together with some of the best companies in the industry, we have developed a one-of-a-kind, exciting indoor entertainment concept with truly world-class attractions which will integrate perfectly into Blackpool’s pre-existing leisure cluster.”