Ribbon cut on Blackpool's £23m tramway extension

An extension which connects Blackpool's main train station to its tramway for the first time in more than 60 years is now operational.

To celebrate the opening of the 600m track, invited guests including local prize draw winners have been carried on special trips.

Once the new timetable comes into effect, this Sunday, trams will leave and arrive at the new North Station tram stop roughly every fifteen minutes between 5.45 in the morning to 11.45 at night. They will alternatively head south to Squires Gate and north to Fleetwood Ferry.

To support the additional journeys created by the extension, two new Flexity-2 trams have been added to the running stock.

The new Blackpool North tram stop sits alongside the Holiday Inn hotel and Marco Pierre White restaurant, which opened in May, while passengers can walk through to Blackpool North train station via a new underpass. A range of retail units surround the new tram stop and underpass.

Over two million passengers per year use Blackpool North train station, while Blackpool itself welcomed 20 million visitors in 2022. The extension and new tram stop form part of the Talbot Gateway area with the tram offering an extended commuting route for workers as well as a tourism route.

The £23m tramway extension was funded by Blackpool Council and received £16.4m from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership's Growth Deal funding.

Alan Cavill, director of communications and regeneration at Blackpool Council, said: “Opening this new tramway extension has many benefits for Blackpool. It provides more sustainable commuting routes for workers getting into the town centre or connecting with the train station, while for our tourism businesses, it also means that customers can reach their hotel, shop or attraction even easier, supporting the local economy.”

Jane Cole, managing director of Blackpool Transport Services, said: “Bringing back the iconic trams to Talbot Road after 60 years marks a significant milestone in Blackpool's history and its journey towards a vibrant future.

“I am thrilled to witness this momentous occasion, which not only enhances our transportation network but also contributes to the economic and cultural revival of our beloved town and the 20 million visitors that we proudly serve.

“Together, we embark on a new era of connectivity, accessibility, and progress for the community we proudly serve."