Blackpool Tower Changes Hands!

Day-to-day operation of Blackpool’s most famous landmark, the Blackpool Tower, changes hands from 1 August 2025. From then it will be managed by the council’s wholly-owned tourism company, Blackpool Tourism Limited.

Blackpool Tower Changes Hands!

In a ground-breaking move, the announcement was made on 4 June 2025. The company will take over the operation of Blackpool Tower (including Blackpool Tower Eye, Circus, Ballroom and Dungeons) and Madame Tussauds.

Blackpool Operating Company Limited, which operates Sandcastle Waterpark, has expanded its remit. It will now be known as Blackpool Tourism Limited. The company will take over the management of The Blackpool Tower and Madame Tussauds from Friday 1^st August. They’ll be run alongside alongside Sandcastle Waterpark and Showtown Museum. The new arrangement will replace their previous management by Merlin Entertainments. The worldwide name had operated them on the council’s behalf since 2010.

As part of this change, both parties have also agreed to enter a new partnership to enable Madame Tussauds and The Dungeons to continue to operate, marking the first ever UK franchise agreements for the two iconic brands. Blackpool Tourism Limited will operate both attractions under franchise from Merlin, ensuring the ongoing presence of these two popular attractions in the town, as part of the wider family of these iconic brands.

An Exciting New Chapter!

This transition marks an exciting new chapter for Blackpool’s tourism industry. Familiar faces are also leading the council’s vision for the future of the resort.

In 2010, Blackpool Council bought Blackpool Tower bringing it into public ownership for the first time. This was to safeguard the future of the much loved iconic landmark whilst also transforming it into a tourist attraction fit for the 21st century. It was a bold and ambitious move and has reaped rewards ever since. It’s such a special place and needed to be protected and preserved for future generations.

Cllr Lynn Williams is Leader of Blackpool Council. She says “Back in 2010, we did not have the skills or knowledge within the town to redevelop the Tower into a modern attraction. Bringing Merlin Entertainments on board was absolutely the right decision at the time. We have enjoyed a long and successful partnership with them, which has brought other quality attractions to the resort. But the time’s come to reassess our position and determine our future vision for our attractions and the town as whole.

“The benefits that our amazing attractions bring will be kept in Blackpool. Our priority is creating jobs for local people, creating a vibrant economy for local businesses and giving millions of visitors a reason to come and stay in Blackpool.”

World Class Experiences here in Blackpool

Kate Shane has been Managing Director of Blackpool Council’s Leisure Portfolio since last summer. Before that she was the Regional Director at Merlin Entertainments. Now, Kate heads up Blackpool Tourism Ltd as Managing Director.

She said: “Bringing all these key attractions under the umbrella of one company is a bold move. But it’s the right one to deliver the ambitions of the resort that punches above its weight.

“Collaboration will be the golden thread running through the new company. Bringing together the resorts amazing tourism businesses, creating compelling reasons to visit and stay in Blackpool ahead of other destinations. We will support the sector to deliver world class experiences, and by working together we will drive awareness. We’ll re-engage lapsed visitors and reach those that have yet to see everything that Blackpool has to offer.

“Blackpool Tourism Ltd is dedicated to creating local employment opportunities, supporting cultural heritage and delivering tangible social impact. Ensuring a sustainable vibrant environment for both our guests and our local communities.”

Good Foundations for Long Term Success

Andy Turner is Merlin’s Regional Director (Rest of UK) of Gateway Attractions. He added: “Back in 2010, Blackpool Council and Merlin set out a bold ambition to transform the Tower into a visitor attraction the town could be proud of. In parallel, we committed to upgrade a locally-run waxworks into an iconic Madame Tussauds attraction. Over the last 15 years, in close cooperation with the council, we’ve made significant progress. We’ve also laid strong foundations which set these attractions up for long term success, well into the future.

“We fully support the local authority’s desire to see these attractions return to local management. Looking ahead, we’re delighted to be entering a new partnership with the council. It will ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy the iconic, immersive experiences which Madame Tussauds and The Dungeons have become known for.

“Merlin remains absolutely committed to the ongoing success of tourism in Blackpool, not least so that the two brands we are franchising to Blackpool Tourism Ltd can continue to flourish with our creative input. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the council over the months and years ahead.”

The transition to the new company will be seamless. All existing ticket purchases will be honoured.