Union boost for new conference centre

Blackpool’s plans to create a new state-of-the-art conference centre have received a major boost with the announcement that one of the UK’s biggest union conferences will be held there once it opens.

The GMB has revealed it will stage its annual congress in the centre in June 2020, bringing more than 1,000 delegates to the resort over five days.

And the announcement has been heralded as a sign of confidence in Blackpool and its new conference venue.

It is the first major national conference to sign up for the new centre, which is to be built next to the Winter Gardens and is set to open its doors in May 2019.

The union, which has more than 600,000 across the UK and Europe, has also revealed that it plans to use the proposed new hotel at The Sands Venue on Central Promenade as its conference base. The hotel is set to open for business in autumn 2018.

Tim Roache, GMB general secretary, said: "We’re absolutely delighted to be back in Blackpool in 2020 and looking forward to trying out the impressive new facilities.

“The GMB has spent many happy times in Blackpool over the years, so we're really looking forward to bringing our congress to the Fylde Coast once again.

“Around 1,000 delegates, visitors, exhibitors and staff - as well as the nation's press and TV - will be able to enjoy Blackpool's wonderful hospitality during our five day event."

Cllr Simon Blackburn, leader of Blackpool Council said: “This is fantastic news for Blackpool, we are delighted that the GMB have chosen to host their annual congress in the resort, and I look forward to welcoming them here.

“The trade union movement has been a great supporter of Blackpool over decades, and I'm sure this will be the first of many union conferences heading our way.

“This demonstrates the real and growing confidence in the Blackpool offer and demonstrates that what we are doing here is what organisers are looking for. Michael Williams, managing director at the Winter Gardens, added: “GMB’s confidence in the resort is testimony to the on-going investment not only in the Winter Gardens but also across the resort.”