Blackpool Winter Gardens management transfers to council-owned tourism company
Unified approach aims to boost tourism and safeguard heritage
The iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool is set to enter a new era after the council's Shareholder Committee approved plans to transfer its management to Blackpool Council’s wholly owned tourism company, Blackpool Tourism Ltd (BTL).
Previously managed by Blackpool Entertainment Company Ltd (BECL), the Grade II listed venue along with its assets and employees will now be overseen by BTL. The move is designed to unify the council’s leisure assets under one operator, streamlining operations and safeguarding the historic site.
Strategic alignment for Blackpool's tourism
Blackpool Tourism Ltd was established in June 2025 with the aim of bringing council-owned attractions under local management, creating a sustainable economic future, increasing employment opportunities, and fostering greater collaboration across Blackpool’s visitor economy.
Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, expressed optimism about the transition.
"This is an exciting and vital step for one of Blackpool’s most iconic venues," Kate Shane said.
“Bringing the Winter Gardens into Blackpool Tourism Ltd will deliver significant benefits, including a more strategic approach to event sales…while delivering a more efficient operation.”
The cultural significance of the Winter Gardens is underscored by milestones in 2026, including 100 years of the Blackpool Dance Festival and 130 years of the Empress Ballroom.
Benefits for local economy
Cllr Lynn Williams MBE, Leader of Blackpool Council, emphasized the importance of the unified management approach for the tourism sector and its positive impact on local employment and economic development.
“Our tourism and visitor economy supports thousands of local jobs,” she said.
“This move strengthens the way that our tourism offer is aligned, providing a better service for both locals and visitors…We must view Blackpool’s tourism industry as one rather than a collection of individual venues.”
The Winter Gardens has already benefited from collaboration with Blackpool Tourism Ltd's management team since August 2025, prompting the decision to bring all council leisure assets together under BTL.
Cllr Williams added, “We are leading by example to deliver a stronger, more resilient visitor economy and creating more opportunities for local people.”