New operator for Winter Gardens

One of Blackpool’s most iconic venues is set for a new chapter after plans were agreed to transfer its operation to Blackpool Council’s wholly owned tourism company.

Blackpool council’s shareholder committee last month approved proposals to dissolve the company that currently manages the Winter Gardens, bringing all council‑owned leisure assets under a single operator for the first time.

The Grade II listed Winter Gardens is presently run by Blackpool Entertainment Company Ltd (BECL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Blackpool Council.

Under the new plans, BECL will be dissolved, with all assets and employees transferring to Blackpool Tourism Ltd (BTL).

The council says the “strategic move” will enable a long‑term, unified approach to managing the resort’s key tourism assets while safeguarding the heritage of one of Blackpool’s most treasured buildings.

Blackpool Tourism Limited was established in June 2025 to bring council‑owned attractions under local management, with a renewed focus on creating a sustainable economic future, increasing employment opportunities for local people and strengthening collaboration across the wider visitor economy.

Kate Shane, managing director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said: “This is an exciting and vital step for one of Blackpool’s most iconic venues.

“Bringing the Winter Gardens into Blackpool Tourism Limited will deliver significant benefits, including a more strategic approach to event sales.

“We want to showcase Blackpool’s live entertainment to a wider audience while delivering a more efficient operation through shared resources, expertise and infrastructure.”

She added: “2026 is a landmark year for the Winter Gardens, marking 100 years of the Blackpool Dance Festival and 130 years of the Empress Ballroom. I look forward to working with the team as we build on this incredible legacy.”

Council leader Lynn Williams said: “Our tourism and visitor economy supports thousands of local jobs, from working directly in attractions, to businesses being part of the supply chain or the spend that comes from large events in hotels, restaurants and bars.

“This move strengthens the way that our tourism offer is aligned, providing a better service for both locals and visitors. To create a sustainable economic future for our town, we must view Blackpool’s tourism industry as one rather than a collection of individual venues.

“Since August 2025, the Winter Gardens has been supported by the management team at Blackpool Tourism Limited. We are already seeing the benefits of that relationship and it makes perfect sense for all the council’s leisure assets to sit within one company.

“This shows we are leading by example to deliver a stronger, more resilient visitor economy and creating more opportunities for local people.”