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Blackpool Tower to be taken over by council's in-house tourism firm Blackpool Tower to be taken over by council's in-house tourism firm
(about 2 hours later)
Blackpool Tower has been owned by the local council since 2010Blackpool Tower has been owned by the local council since 2010
Blackpool Tower is to be taken over by the local council's own tourism company.Blackpool Tower is to be taken over by the local council's own tourism company.
The attraction, which has been managed by Merlin Entertainments for 15 years, is set to be handed over to the authority's in-house Blackpool Tourism Ltd company on 1 August.The attraction, which has been managed by Merlin Entertainments for 15 years, is set to be handed over to the authority's in-house Blackpool Tourism Ltd company on 1 August.
Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams said it was an "exciting" new chapter and a "new era" for Blackpool's tourism industry.Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams said it was an "exciting" new chapter and a "new era" for Blackpool's tourism industry.
Merlin Entertainments said it "fully supported" the move.Merlin Entertainments said it "fully supported" the move.
Blackpool Tourism Ltd will also take over managing Madame Tussauds, alongside with the Sandcastle waterpark and the Showtown Museum.Blackpool Tourism Ltd will also take over managing Madame Tussauds, alongside with the Sandcastle waterpark and the Showtown Museum.
Maddam Tussauds, and The Dungeons, will be operated under franchise from Merlin.Maddam Tussauds, and The Dungeons, will be operated under franchise from Merlin.
Williams said: "In 2010, Blackpool Council bought Blackpool Tower bringing it into public ownership for the first time to safeguard the future of our much loved iconic landmark whilst also transforming it into a tourist attraction fit for the 21st century.Williams said: "In 2010, Blackpool Council bought Blackpool Tower bringing it into public ownership for the first time to safeguard the future of our much loved iconic landmark whilst also transforming it into a tourist attraction fit for the 21st century.
She added that in 2010 "we did not have the skills or knowledge within the town to redevelop the Tower into a modern attraction" and bringing Merlin Entertainments on board was "absolutely the right decision".She added that in 2010 "we did not have the skills or knowledge within the town to redevelop the Tower into a modern attraction" and bringing Merlin Entertainments on board was "absolutely the right decision".
Andy Turner, Merlin's regional director of Gateway Attractions, said: "We fully support the local authority's desire to see these attractions return to local management."Andy Turner, Merlin's regional director of Gateway Attractions, said: "We fully support the local authority's desire to see these attractions return to local management."
Merlin added existing Merlin season passes and pre-bought tickets would be honoured. Blackpool Council said all existing ticket purchases will be honoured.
'Replica Eiffel Tower''Replica Eiffel Tower'
The episode of Strictly Come Dancing at the Tower Ballroom is an annual highlight of the BBC One seriesThe episode of Strictly Come Dancing at the Tower Ballroom is an annual highlight of the BBC One series
The Blackpool Tower Company was founded by London-based Standard Contract & Debenture Corporation in 1890, when it bought an aquarium on Central Promenade with the intention of building a replica Eiffel Tower.The Blackpool Tower Company was founded by London-based Standard Contract & Debenture Corporation in 1890, when it bought an aquarium on Central Promenade with the intention of building a replica Eiffel Tower.
Costing nearly £300,000 the 518 ft (158m) the tower opened on 14 May 1894.Costing nearly £300,000 the 518 ft (158m) the tower opened on 14 May 1894.
Its complex includes a circus whose ring is flooded for its finale, and the 120 ft (37m) by 10 ft (31m) ballroom with a sprung floor made of 30,600 separate planks of oak, mahogany and walnut.Its complex includes a circus whose ring is flooded for its finale, and the 120 ft (37m) by 10 ft (31m) ballroom with a sprung floor made of 30,600 separate planks of oak, mahogany and walnut.
The dancefloor, and the ballroom's famous 1935-built organ, feature prominently in the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.The dancefloor, and the ballroom's famous 1935-built organ, feature prominently in the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.