The Stage

Pleasure Beach’s Thompson backs Blackpool ‘development zone’

Published Tuesday 24 April 2007 at 14:45 by Alistair Smith

Blackpool Pleasure Beach deputy managing director Nick Thompson has attacked the government for not supporting the town in its bid to host the UK’s first super-casino, but claimed he was hopeful the project could yet be revived.

Speaking at the launch of Pleasure Beach’s new £8 million roller coaster Infusion, Thompson described the Casino Advisory Panel’s decision earlier this year to chose Manchester ahead of Blackpool as a “painful slap in the face”.

He added: “Our family has continued to invest in Blackpool for the past 100 years and will continue to invest in the future. It is unfortunate the government does not share our views.

“It is a decision which simply does not make sense. The casino project would bring regeneration to the town, without any taxpayers’ money. If only the politicians would show the same faith in Blackpool that my family has over the past 100 years.”

Pleasure Beach, as well as containing a theme park, is also one of the leading providers of light entertainment in Blackpool, producing shows such as Hot Ice, and new adult-themed production Forbidden.

Thompson added that, following the House of Lords’ decision to reject the CAP’s proposals, he felt there was still a chance the UK’s first super-casino could be sited in Blackpool.

However, he explained that leading figures from the town were now looking to lobby government to turn Blackpool into a ‘development zone’, whereby tax breaks would be given to businesses investing in the area. Thompson said that, while he was confident in proposals to revamp the town, a catalyst such as the casino or a development zone was required to push along the plans.

He told The Stage: “It is still an exciting time for Blackpool. We are campaigning for public and private sector investment. But the casino was Blackpool’s idea - an entrepreneurial idea of Blackpool’s and it’s very annoying what has happened.

“We are confident in the town, but we do have to do something very fast.”