In an initiative poised to celebrate its vibrant LGBTQ+ heritage, Blackpool has unveiled plans for a distinctive village quarter. This visionary project is set to amplify the existing cluster of LGBTQ+-friendly establishments situated in the northern part of the town center, notably around Queen Street. Rather than confining itself to a label, the neighborhood’s guiding principle will be an inclusive “be who you want to be.”
Blackpool Council has taken strides to engage with community leaders prior to initiating a formal consultation. Preceding the plan’s disclosure, these leaders, in collaboration with council representatives, alongside law enforcement and various organizations, embarked on a visit to Manchester’s renowned Gay Village on Canal Street. This endeavor signifies a pivotal step towards shaping a nurturing environment that upholds heritage, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging.
The proposal holds the potential to not only draw fresh investments but also to ignite a wave of rejuvenation in Claremont, a locale grappling with pockets of socio-economic disadvantage. According to a town hall report, this undertaking germinated from engagements with community stakeholders, all of whom are deeply invested in nurturing the area’s heritage, fostering a welcoming ethos, and fortifying community unity.
Blackpool’s history of LGBTQ+ friendly establishments, including pioneering venues like Funny Girls and the Flamingo, founded by entrepreneur Basil Newby, has laid a formidable foundation for this envisioned cultural quarter. Presently, the town boasts approximately 15 LGBTQ+ bars and a multitude of LGBTQ+-friendly guesthouses concentrated primarily around Queen Street, Springfield Road, Dickson Road, and Lord Street. The Blackpool Pride Festival stands as a testament to the town’s enduring commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility.
Tim Allan, at the helm of the North Shore Business Group, underscored the imperative of recognizing and celebrating the town’s rich diversity. He affirmed that the initiative is not solely about embracing diversity but also about commemorating Blackpool’s extensive LGBTQ+ history, urging the community to embrace this transformative chapter.
Alongside this groundbreaking scheme, other initiatives, such as a rainbow plaque program commemorating “diversity pioneers,” are in the pipeline to seamlessly intertwine with the town’s multifaceted heritage.