Winter Gardens site 'cornerstone to economic boost'

The Winter Gardens conference centre can accommodate 7,000 delegates across 12 spaces

Corporate events have already generated over £3m in economic benefit for Blackpool this year - exceeding an annual target of £2.2m seven months ahead of schedule, the town's conference tourism team has said.

Blackpool's Winter Gardens £30m Conference and Exhibition Centre, which opened in March 2022, has "proved a cornerstone" to the boost, Meet Blackpool said.

It has attracted new conferences to the resort including Beaverbrooks, the National Union of Journalists and the Communication Workers Union.

Meet Blackpool said by 2028, the investment was "on track to pay for itself" in economic benefit from corporate events.

'Credible destination'

The Winter Gardens centre offered a combined capacity of 7,000 delegates across 12 interlinked event spaces, including the Empress Ballroom, Opera House, and Spanish Hall.

It was officially opened by then prime minister Boris Johnson, when it hosted a Conservative party conference.

It has more than £5m worth of booking enquires and confirmations lined up into 2027 and was expected to be bringing over £10m per year to the town, Meet Blackpool said.

Its head, Julie Vincent, said: "Surpassing our annual target with several months to go reflects not just the hard work of our hospitality partners, but the confidence event organisers have in Blackpool as a credible, high-impact destination.

"From major conferences and exhibitions to corporate team away days, the town is proving it can deliver delegate experiences that are both outstanding and unforgettable."