AIM Land to bring Tenpin to Blackpool

The former Odeon cinema off Rigby Road is set to become a 51,900 sq ft home for the bowling company, after the developer opted to return to the original 2022 plan to bring forward a multi-leisure centre on the site.

Savills lodged the latest application alterations on AIM’s behalf and seeks permission for a commercial entertainment offer comprising indoor sport, recreation, and fitness facilities, and names Tenpin as the upcoming operator.

AIM Land had originally pitched the leisure centre, but opted to try to get permission for a 130,000 storage centre, which was twice rejected by the local authority.

AIM now hopes Blackpool Council will approve the reset of the 51,900 sq ft unit at Festival Leisure Park.

Tenpin would then step into the operator role, bringing the building back into use since Odeon’s lease expired in June 2023.

Visitors would have access to activities including laser tag, escape rooms, karaoke, augmented reality darts, family arcade games, and food and drink offers.

A spokesperson for AIM Land said: “This is a very exciting time for Blackpool.

“Tenpin’s investment will breathe new life into this landmark building, creating an amazing facility for the community, and for the millions of visitors who come to the town each year.”

The developer had scrapped its application for a leisure space due to a lack of market interest in the 8.6-acre site, swapping to plans for a 130,000 sq ft self-storage facility.

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However, the storage plan was rejected by Blackpool Council, a decision then backed up by the planning inspectorate, on the grounds that the project would “undermine the council’s neighbourhood regeneration objectives.”

Now, AIM land has returned to its original plan for a Bowman Riley-designed revamped centre.

To view the application in which Tenpin is named, use the planning reference 25/0725 on Blackpool Council’s planning portal.