A spectacular arena is set to transform one of Britain’s greatest seaside towns

Sure, Blackpool has gone through stages of decline and deterioration, but in recent years the seaside resort town has been on a serious upward trajectory. Blackpool welcomed the UK’s first ever circus museum in 2024 and had one of its hotels crowned the best in all of Europe. In May 2026, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which is celebrating its 130th birthday this year, debuted a massive new £9 million ride. Blackpool even landed in 12th spot on our list of the best places to visit in the UK in 2026. 

And a new ‘world-class’ arena is set to provide Blackpool with an even bigger boost. Named the Phoenix Pavilion Arena, the indoor events space would include a 15,000–20,000 capacity arena bowl designed to host exhibitions, festivals, trade shows and community events. Cafes, bars and restaurants form plans for a waterfront hospitality hub, and the scheme would dedicate space for new squares, terraces and viewing decks all overlooking the sea. 

Carters Building Consultancy, which is behind the proposal, said the arena would provide Blackpool with a new ‘civic landmark’. The project would form part of Blackpool’s bid to become the UK’s City of Culture for 2029, and would be the focal point of a city-wide regeneration scheme which aims to restore it to its former glory. 

Plans for the new venue came about following a campaign launched by Blackpool South MP Chris Webb in November to build a ‘world class’ events space in the heart of the town. Now, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has given the next phase of the project the green light, pledged £20 million to explore the possibility of bringing the arena to life. 

Investment will go towards assessing the financial feasibility of construction, and whether it would be the right investment for the area. 

If approved, the Phoenix Pavilion Arena would be the focal point of a city-wide £2 billion regeneration project which has already successfully extended the Talbot Road tramway and is paving the way for a new £65million, high-tech uni campus.

Did you see that legendary snooker venue the Crucible is getting a huge £45 million revamp?

Plus: Brighton’s seafront will be transformed by a £22 million makeover.