ReBlackpool

Walking around the town, I found this web address on the fringe of a construction site rather interesting. Reblackpool.com gives a great insight into the ongoing urban regeneration in Blackpool. Their blog is well worth a look at too, the town has come a long way in just a few short years and there is a lot more to come yet. Have a read for yourself.

I made a detour to the promenade this afternoon, I could not resist the lure of the ocean breeze as I caught wisps of it inland. The new promenade looks fantastic with it's sleek curves, dual elevated walkways, it's a seascape engineering marvel. There is seating which form part of the seawalls, therefore no woodrot and no need for painting benches, the railings are made from a shiny and sleek aluminium, which will not rust like cast iron railings would. Overall it looks uplifted and spacious and blends well with the ongoing regeneration in Blackpool.

I look forward to it's completion and being able to stroll the full length, making a few stops along the way... for the odd my whippy and a bag of chips laced in salt and vinegar. Mmm, I am making myself hungry already.

Stanley Park

It has been a good year or so since I visited Stanley Park last, the regeneration work there is still ongoing and coming along very nicely. Blackpool has much to be proud of, the flower displays are a real showcase, it is little things like this which make a difference. I know locals like to go to Stanley Park as much as visitors do, but good flower displays are a good sign that Blackpool is taking tourism seriously. You would be surprised looking around at other seaside towns which let themselves down for the simple reason of saving a few quid, landscaping out the flower beds for more low maintenance alternatives, we should consider ourselves lucky.

Another thing I noticed was that Stanley Park Cafe appeared to have been taken over? The last time I stopped by there for my usual hot chocolate, sandwich and a cake, there was notices of do's and dont's plastered all over the walls, staff were talked down to, photographs of the proprietors were affixed like a shrine, it made you feel most uncomfortable. This all appears to have changed, in my humble opinion it is still as expensive as before, but there is more choice on the menu.

I will have to make more of an effort and visit the park more often, it is truly beautiful all year round and each and every season is different. The park is very family friendly and there is always something to see. It is well worth mentioning bring some bread with you for the ducks or some nuts for the squirrels which are very tame.

Blackpool Arts and Culture

I am somewhat impressed by the regeneration which has been undergoing some years now in Blackpool. The town is progressively cleaning up it's act toning down it's 'kiss me quick' image, adopting a more upmarket and cosmopolitan approach. By building upon it's staple attractions, Blackpool is becoming a town which caters for people from all walks of life, be it romantic couples, families, tram enthusiasts, thrill seekers and to add to the list art lovers.

I particularly like the way in which it is capturing 'art and culture', for those who have visited the promenade will see there is now a whole section with modern sculptures, a wind funnel and even the world's largest disco ball on display, it is quite a spectacle too. Without any music you can happily sit back on a warm or mild evening and tranquilly pass time soothed by the light display it creates.

I will write some more on this as the blog progresses...