Blackpool Tower set for £11m repairs

The grade one-listed icon is in need of a paint job – as well as steel improvements, according to a council report.

Blackpool Council’s executive is meeting on Monday to approve work to improve the structure of the 518-feet tower.

The need for more work to improve Blackpool Tower is driven by recommendations by structural engineer Arup, which has been conducting twice-annual surveys of the tower’s integrity.

Replacing certain steel components, removing redundant secondary steel, placing ladder platforms and landings, repairing concrete, and repainting the structure are all part of the project programme.

The council estimates the work could take between five and seven years.

The Blackpool Council report describes the project as “essential in order to significantly extend the useful economic life of the asset, preserve and maintain the structural integrity of the tower and safeguard the ability to continue to operate the tower as a world-class family focused visitor destination and one of Blackpool’s flagship visitor attractions”.

The project has a price tag of £11m, which would be paid for through prudential borrowing over six years. By the end of a 24-year debt repayment period the cost is estimated to rise to £16.7m.

While expensive at first, the report added that it would help save money in the long run – especially when it comes to the paint. Using an Arup paint specification would give the paint a useful life of 20 years, according to the council report.

Throughout the lifespan of the project, the council will try to mitigate the impact the work has on the visitor attraction, with much of the work taking place outside of the visitor season. The tower’s role in Blackpool Illuminations would continue during this period.