Alistair Hardaker | Image: Tramtown Blackpool (Instagram / tramtown)
Tramtown at Rigby Road faces demolition after structural survey, but council and transport operator plan pop-up site and joint funding bid for new attraction.
Blackpool’s Tramtown museum is to close permanently after an independent structural survey found the building was unsafe, with demolition the only option.
The council and Blackpool Transport announced plans for a pop-up site and joint funding bid for a new heritage tram attraction following the closure of the Rigby Road facility.
Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “While the work was ongoing fixing the electrics at Tramtown, an independent structural engineer carried out a survey of the building. That independent report has come back saying that the building is unsafe. The only public entrance is unsafe and we can’t gamble with the safety of volunteers and visitors by opening an unsafe building.”
She said bad weather last month had ripped more panels off the roof, causing further leaking, and everything was being removed from the building to be stored and preserved.
“Unfortunately for the building itself there is no safe or affordable alternative but demolition,” Williams said.
Lea Harrison, managing director of Blackpool Transport, said: “Despite the fantastic efforts of everyone involved with the existing Tramtown site, a recent survey by an independent structural engineer found the building was unsafe and beyond repair.”
He added: “However, I would like to categorically state that this is not the end of the line for heritage trams in Blackpool.”
The transport operator said pop-up displays of vintage trams may be introduced until funding is secured for a permanent site. Vintage trams are scheduled to operate during private tours in May, including the Balloon tram on 3 May and the Bolton 66 tram on 8 May.
Williams said: “Myself and the new managing director of Blackpool Transport are on the same page that we want Tramtown to open for the summer and are looking at every possible solution to find a pop-up site for it to reopen as soon as possible.”
She added: “I want to make very clear that this is not the end of heritage trams in Blackpool. The news will double our resolve to set up a joint steering group to create a better future for Tramtown and our historic trams.”
Williams said Blackpool Transport’s team had met with volunteers over the weekend to update them and discuss the future. “We appreciate this closure will be difficult for the Tramtown volunteers, and for people who care about our heritage and our trams just as I do,” she said.
Williams said the council was determined to submit a joint funding bid for a new Tramtown visitor attraction.
