Blackpool Sandcastle

Feb 2006

The Sandcastle has been an integral part of Blackpool’s leisure and entertainment offer since it opened in the mid 1980’s. Located on the South Promenade directly opposite The Pleasure Beach, The Sandcastle had attracted over half a million visitors each year through its existing range of leisure water and rides. However, in line with Blackpool’s ambition to regenerate and become the premiere coastal resort in the UK it was evident that The Sandcastle needed to be rejuvenated.

SPACE & PLACE was invited to prepare a masterplan, programme and budget for refurbishment. Following acceptance of the masterplan recommendations S&P was then involved in optioneering various elements of the design.

Following agreement of the masterplan S&P designed and supervised the construction work in 2 phases in consecutive winter closed periods.

The Masterplan included a multi-level interactive kids’ water play feature, a number of headline water rides, a remodelling of the front of house, new health and beauty area, remodelling of part of the main pool to create river rapids and alter the balance of water to shallow from deep water.

Phase One comprised of the installation of a multi-level interactive kids play feature, with water jets, slides, a multi-slide and a huge bucket which tips 600 gallons on a 12/15 minute cycle. Phase One was largely fabricated off site to ensure that site installation could happen quickly during the closed periods. Phase One is primarily aimed at increasing the attraction value to families with younger children.

As a result of the success, Sandcastle has been able to increase both visitor numbers and admission prices.

Phase Two comprises of the installation of 2 headline rides, re-modelling of a deep water pool to form a lazy river and a re-modelling of the front of house, including bars, restaurants, amusement areas, reception desk. This phase included an indoor water Roller Coaster ride. Careful analysis of competing rides was undertaken prior to selection of Masterblaster. A mini Sidewinder ride was also installed at Sandcastle.