History of Blackpool Central Railway Station

Been into Blackpool town centre recently? You can’t have failed to notice that there’s building work going on all around! One of the projects that’s now underway is the transformation of Central Car Park. It’s been waiting for redevelopment since 1965 so it’s long overdue. Take a look back at the History of Blackpool Central Railway Station as was.

History of Blackpool Central Railway Station

What’s now a prime plot of development land was once the site of the former Central Railway Station. Various terminus delivering routes to more destinations saw it grow to become the world’s busiest railway station by 1911.

We’ve sourced these historic images from Pinterest. Unfortunately their credits have gone astray so apologies to anyone who owns the originals. Please get in touch and we’ll add a photo credit for you.

The station opened in 1863 as Hounds Hill (hence the name of our local shopping centre). Then in 1878 it was renamed Blackpool Central – a name the site will take once again.

It was once a huge place with 14 platforms, where everyone arrived for holidays and day trips.

The Closure of Blackpool Central Railway Station

It just managed to see it’s centenary before it was to close in 1964. The Beeching Cuts had indicated that Blackpool North should close. But the council of the time lobbied for Central Station to go instead.

Blackpool Council bought the site for future redevelopment – it’s been some time coming! The direct Marton line finally closed in 1965.

Then all the remaining station buildings finally went, demolished in 1973. At that point the whole site became wasteland with all the associated bridges and embankments and railway paraphernalia.

Welcome to Yeadon Way

Yeadon Way was built in the 1980’s on the bed of the derelict railway lines. Creating easy access from the centre of Blackpool to the M55 and motorway network.

For many years Central Car Park was the site of the Blackpool Illuminations switch on event.

Wikipedia tells us the very outer wall of the car park is the last visible remnant of the 1900 building. Apparently, traces of the platforms can also be seen in the car park. We’ll have to go and investigate!

Do you remember the Victorian public toilets at Central Car Park? Tiled in regulation green and white with mahogany doors and brass fittings. Always immaculately clean and smelling of pine disinfectant, they were staffed by a lady in an overall.

In 2009 Danfo cubicles replaced the demolished toilet block.