The Changing Face of Blackpool Promenade

I take a look at a part of Blackpool Promenade where a large hotel was recently demolished & some other seafront buildings look a little worse for wear. I also ask the question of whether a garden area could be constructed on the Golden Mile to break up the monotony of the concrete.
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[@Englishsea24]

Every town in Britain needs a guy like you that really cares about it, knows all the history etc it would save the UK from degrading the way it is. As long as people listen I suppose, I don't know if they will🙄

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks 🙏

[@storm3698]

Very good point

[@moonagedaydream4489]

Great comment! 😊

[@fluffymacfly3405]

I agree English sea. . .from holiday with my parents in the 60s to see it is now sad see demise.....lost alot seaside charm.greenery

[@robbiekop7]

It's John Shuttleworth 😲

[@jayoneill1533]

It’s amazing that Blackpool has derelict buildings on the oceanfront. Such a sad state of affairs but I’m afraid you need to get used to people living in tents…

[@dougaldouglas8842]

About time some greenery was put in place to break up the concrete look. Hope the council does a better job than councils around the country, councils looking as though smack heads with the mess they make.

[@carolinewaite7185]

A great video as always x So sad British people have to pitch up tents whilst some hotels are full of certain people being housed and fed in comfort by my tax! 😢😡

[@helendent248]

The Savoy had a lovely cocktail bar quite a few years ago. That tent needs removing it’s not right

[@garymitchell8394]

My favourite part of Blackpool Stephen, up the North pier end...I've been visiting Blackpool since the 80s and it's always had its issues, but I just think it's part of its charm. The town will survive whatever happens as long as the tower stands! Can't wait to visit soon ❤

[@johnbarter3446]

The Tower is a monument to the past, as to are the Piers, Trams, Landau's and the Pleasure Park, totally outdated in present society, I speak as a 70yrs old, the Blackpool Clown Council should be asked where all the money went,when the town was in its Heyday! how have we ended up with such an abysmal dump!

[@kathtrevains860]

Love the North Pier

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

Wow blustery Sir! 💨🌧️ good video that Sir and thanks for braving the weather! ….Smithy

[@tracysmith245]

in lovely Llandudno last weekend the rain was horrid

[@anythingbootneck]

Can’t help but feel sorry for the holiday makers. Hopefully, the weather improves for them. Another excellent video Stephen!👍🏻

[@vordman]

Yes, what a shame. Same for the shops who rely on them. But the weather is the weather.

[@westyham1]

Thanks Stephen from an expat from Cleveleys, I now live in New Jersey USA and today it's 96 degrees farenhight, we are having a heatwave, thank god for air conditioning, but would love some rain right now, love the videos and keeping up with good old blighty 🥵🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

96º phew! 😰

[@X-GamerPro-HD]

Rain or shine you gotta give Stephen credit he does an amazing job at entertaining everyone. Well done Stephen never stop filming!

[@lin9821]

I was a child when we went there but it was very depressing… the horses drawing the vehicles broke my heart. They looked so sad 😞

[@davidnm21]

What an eyesore some of those former hotels and that row of houses dreadful can they not do something to get them back to their former glory. As for the homeless guy in the tent, very sad. Weather is truly awful for July.

[@helentucker6407]

Crying shame all those beautiful old houses just left...thanks for tour 👍

[@nigelspeller1850]

When they said cheap holidays I had no idea they referred to a tent on Jubilee gardens

[@jj68]

I grew up on Charnley Rd from 1980-2000 my folks had a guest house. I can honestly say that B'pool was a fantastic place then. I drove for Blue Busses in the 90's the 333 used to terminate at Gynn Sq and I spent many a freezing night sat outside the Savoy before starting the return run to Mereside. I remember the tragedy very well as I was at Tyldesley High Scl and it was a huge talking point...It's looking grim now, North shore was always the posh end. Look at it now.

[@Clara-ph7my]

I agree the North Shore needs something doing urgently, to attract the tourists back that end. Even when I visit we never venture that far anymore.

[@jj68]

With a heavy heart I moved away in 05. But looking back now I'm glad that I did.

[@GerardONeill-mx1th]

The people who hold the deeds to these neglected properties surely must be on file at the land registry & therefore held accountable for their upkeep. It is not fair on those others who strive to keep the majesty & dignity of Blackpool alive !?! You're keeping it real & relevant as always Stephen ..... Hang on to your hat though ! 🌬️🌊🌬️👍🤣😎

[@snowmanbuzzfm]

Problem is Gerard is alot of these abandoned properties are now owned by the banks the repossessed them from the original owners who could no longer pay the mortgage anymore due to rising costs of interest rates and low take up of holiday makers. To the banks they are just commodities and they have no care for the local environment and how they look.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Gerard.

[@lindenbutters9396]

Some cannot afford the upkeep. Unfortunately there are no grants to help them. It aught to be the job of the heritage society to help practically perhaps, talk is cheap! I bet the old buildings outlast the new ones. I'm pleased to say that in Wales our Victorian heritage is cherished. Llandudno is a great example attracting praise and visitors from afar because of this. Lord forbid Blackpool gets trashed by bulldozers and penny pinching development! Those big unmanageable former homes of the wealthy could make great homes for the many homeless in this housing crisis if made in to flats. The government aught to do something as there is a minister for housing. Never mind build new homes, these are already ready for many who would be pleased and proud to live in them.

[@gdj6298]

Trouble is, if the owner can't - or won't - fork out for the upkeep.......that's when buildings (to use Private Eye's term) 'mysteriously go on fire'.!

[@kenstevens5065]

Heritage, history what's that? I'm afraid that our younger generation, in my view, through education, social and mainstream media aren't interested. Add a Government who aren't capable or really interested in our country and this is what you get. Tents and derelict buildings, the new normality coming to a town near you.

[@dianemckill5708]

When I was there in April there was a tent along at South pier

[@user-nc2oc3kg5o]

I moved away from Blackpool in 2019. It has changed so much since then. So many buildings pulled down, and many are just boarded up.

[@jackymitchell8487]

One of the councils worst ever decisions Stephen to knock down the Derby baths.Would have been a fabulous building if correctly maintained.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Yes it's a shame it had to be demolished. It would have been better to repurpose it.

[@vordman]

Me and a mate went looking for the Derby Baths in the early 2000s because we heard it was a superb building. We were very disappointed to hear it had been demolished.

[@TheROLLER1953]

Camping next to the north hotels !! Wouldn't have happened 45 yrs ago !! GREAT VIDEO STEPHEN.

[@racheljohnson9687]

I do like some of the building up on the North Shore I still say it's a shame about the Hacketts 😢 Cliffs is such a beautiful building & the Jubilee Gardens are a little hidden gen 👍

[@johnbarter3446]

The epitaph will read, a Victim of its own Complacency!

[@emmalouiseross7554]

Thank you for vlogging on my 40th birthday

[@alexplane5359]

Happy birthday 🎂 🥳

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Happy Birthday

[@maxinemcgrath1756]

Have a good nite Stephen. Lovely little garden. Thank u for all the vlogs 👍⭐

[@DisneyMarkUK]

I know that a lot of the prom is an absolute tip but I still love it’s all, I hope one day it’s all refurbished.

[@belong53]

They should never be left empty. Compulsory purchase and redevelop or modernize

[@L0reburne]

I seen 3 tents along the prom at the weekend ( including that one) The Sunday roast at the Gynn is amazing BTW...highly recommended !

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Must try the Gynn some time!

[@YvonneMason-eb7lh]

Thanks for braving the elements for us Stephen. Another interesting video and love the history.

[@storm3698]

Great video. I love your videos. As i said in earlier comments, there will always be a part of my heart in Blackpool as lots of good memories. Was last here in April for my gfs birthday. Missing the place.

[@brendasword8903]

Thaks Stephen i enjoyed that once again thanks

[@gordoncook1056]

Good evening to everyone in blackpool,yes weather not exactly summer ,and it’s the same up here in Livingston,best wishes folks stay safe.👍😎Gordon.😜

[@richardgraham5131]

Love the cherry blossom story the shoe polish. Great knowledge stephen

[@ashandloo]

Really interesting Video Steve Looking at the changing Face of Blackpool, Interesting as Always Thanks.👍🚶🚶

[@storm3698]

You showed the hotel Belvedere that used to be my favourite go to hotel. Unfortunately the old owners left and they had such brilliant entertainment and the chef followed and he was very good. Still a good hotel but i miss the old days

[@lesleyevans7482]

There's always a tent opposite the Manchester pub when I'm going to work in a morning next to them water pipe things.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Yeah I think they camp by that building for the treatment works.

[@Finglesham]

Fire is the developer's best friend in any town but seems to well known in Blackpool. Those empty dwellings will succumb in time. If you had more green spaces you would have more tents. where do these people go to the toilet? Do they dig holes? like Scouts in olden days? Improvement = deterioration in the quality of life throughout the UK. Thanks for this entertaining videos.

[@richywiggins3845]

Definitely agree Blackpool needs a lot more green space. The derelict hotels are never going to be hotels again so they should knock them down and convert them into green spaces.

[@johnbeeston2473]

another good one its vary big changeing

[@fidgetspinner343]

Stephen looking very smart, stylish and a real transformation nowadays compared to a few years ago. Looking good 👍

[@markstramtrainbuscapades1729]

Happy memories of walking through the Jubilee Gardens (originally the Gynn Sunken Gardens) when a lad in the seventies. There used to be wishing wells at either end, which you throw coins for a charity into, trying to hit a bell as you did so. Then it was fish & chips from the Gynn Supper Bar, followed by a walk to North Pier, a go on the arcades and then back to the digs on the tram! Happy Days!

[@cnichol10]

Was there last week and there were 2 tents on the lower walkway just along from the Metropol Hotel. Really enjoyed the weeks holiday there.

[@gavinhodgkins6643]

Keeping up with the gardens theme, they should put some green spaces between Central and South Piers to break up the concrete. Hoping the weather improves up there Stephen.

[@wendyjones2351]

Hi Stephen thank you for another great video as always wow what weather we are having its as bad here apparently the savoy Hotel isn't all that it's reviews are not great jubilee gardens is lovely such a shame them disused buildings they could be so nice have a great evening xx

[@juliec70]

I love going to sit in jubilee gardens , they need more greenery in blackpool, ty Stephen great video 😊 x

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Julie x

[@juliec70]

@duncanletts4778 I sure did nice colour lol 😆 x

[@islasandjessicas]

Unfortunately Britannia are very very unlikely to spend any money on any of their hotels, except what is absolutely essential. Historically, hotels and holiday parks that have been purchased by Britannia Group, have been run on a shoestring, with no investment in them, and they slowly go downhill, and I speak from experience of having stayed at their hotels with the work I used to do. - Jess.

[@lparky4409]

The royal Albion in Brighton, a Brittania, caught fire recently and had to be partially demolished.

[@colinparry3419]

This is the best channel on KZbin . Fact.

[@jacquelinemccann1493]

Thankyou Stephen for another great video hope you didn't get too wet, love the Irish sea when it's like that😊👏

[@johnbeeston2473]

like the new start

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks.

[@beciphillips9688]

Hello Stephen. Another good vlog 👍🏻👍🏻 Just shows how once glorious buildings in Blackpool have gone into decline. It's heartbreaking. Sadly this pattern is all over coastal places all over our country. Just sad, all the homeless, ex servicemen and these buildings are left to rot. The govermnent don't help at all, you'd think they would help owners of B and B's. 😢 x

[@DavidJones-oj4jz]

Great video - I agree with you Blackpool needs more green areas, sadly for the building sites they'll become apartments - and Britannia hotel group is always voted the worst

[@mildredschulz]

Another great video Stephen, those gardens look really nice would be lovely if there was more green in Blackpool. It’s a shame what is happening to all those old buildings. Hope you didn’t get to wet being out in this stormy weather. Take care of yourself. Don’t be catching a cold again. ❤️👍❤️🥰❤️

[@DarkEnchantressOfAllThee]

With the derby baths I got told it wasn't safe to continue around the time it was demolished, full of cockroaches and they said it was too expensive to continue running and unfit for purpose It was sad to see it go, although it was before my time, a lot of protests and unrest once it got bulldozed Sad to see it end especially with the brilliant history it had and the attractions it brought over the decades

[@uk-martin4905]

The Derby Baths were unusual in that they were seawater baths. I understood that the serious level of sewerage pollution on the Fylde coast at that time was cited as a reason for the baths'closure. I, too, vaguely recall a link between the closure of the baths and the soon-to-be-open Sandcastle centre.

[@nbvhoho2738]

I hope all the hotels sell the calendar most are advertising for christmas now people would def buy em Loads of positives for blackpool as well

[@nigelspeller1850]

WOWSERS the weather

[@jasonwilletts559]

In the 80s those run down shells were lovely, well appointed hotels, I remember them when I was a kid. It's a shame how they've become

[@kennyfriars]

Blackpool used great not any more everything is closed now All the great pubs

[@johnboycash3225]

Britania own Pontins, and they can't even look after them holiday parks.

[@robmorton4560]

Well done for braving the weather Stephen....

[@williamlee1703]

I think those derelict hotels on the sea front might fall victim of a fire, of course I could be very wrong indeed.

[@robmorton4560]

Spent many a happy time is this area when I was a kid in the 60s.Used to also go on the gardens at Gyn Square.Remember playing pitch & putt & table tennis.Our small guest house that we stayed at was at the back of the gardens.The small gardens on the promenade near to the Cliffs hotel I'm sure had goldfish in the little water channels.....

[@lukeframpton3671]

Slowly starting to loose all those beautiful buildings with character and history

[@sallychandler7859]

You're in Blackpool Biker territory Stephen 😂 So sad to see those derelict buildings. Great vlog.

[@GiveUpRecords]

Lots of love to blackpool❤🙏

[@helendent248]

Lovely part of Blackpool, great video

[@georgesmellie8717]

Thanks again for another great informative vlog Stephen and thanks for going out in that weather for us

[@user-dp1bz4ql9f]

Maybe the homeless in that tent bad weather hear too stay safe

[@user-vc5mc5uv4u]

another great video Stephen thank you 💨

[@spex357]

My school held its swimming gala in there, shame its gone now.

[@hotty268]

I've had some great weekends away in Blackpool, great memories, definitely one of our national treasures Blackpool, and well done to this guy, keeping us up to speed, likeable guy, good job M8 ❤

[@richardhinchliffe1678]

Great vlog again stephen very interesting don’t know what the people coming on holiday would think if they have booked into a hotel next to the rundown row of buildings lol another fire waiting to happen tbh

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Richard.

[@manchesternjc7511]

Love the wet and wild videos. All of the atmosphere and none of the shivering 🥶 Things you do to keep us entertained! It is appreciated 😅

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Glad you like them!

[@richardjones8699]

Anyone who's watched 'Walk with Tim's' video on the Savoy is very aware of its delapidated condition. In terms of the Pembroke Hotel it was built in 1982.

[@dsmmovies]

Another great video, got to admire the dedication in that weather.

[@alexplane5359]

Nice one Steven, could of brought a kite down to the promenade, ,"A walk on the wild side kites" maybe 🤔 very waffty there

[@moonagedaydream4489]

Fantastic video Stephen, I love it when it's wild & windy. xx

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Moonage xx

[@quanchyplimp]

Reminds me of Margate, Cliftonville & Ramsgate in the UK, the glory days are long gone and are unlikely to come back. It is a similar fate for many seaside towns around the UK

[@claredelamer7940]

The Jubilee Gardens are lovely + should be extended for the WHOLE length of the Prom. The demolition site could become a Pocket Park with trees + swings etc. Trees, trees + more trees!

[@bobbobby9798]

Derby baths, some people thought that by neglecting the building it would lead to it being demolished and the land had huge value. However the land never belonged to the council. Some bright spark let fridges be dumped into pit left after demolition, so now they would have to excavate it all before any development.

[@marymand4859]

What a pretty garden I will find it and have a sit next time I visit Blackpool. You are right , Blackpool could do with a few more green spaces x

[@juliebilson6897]

Great video Stephen and I hope the weather improves also x

[@WarmasAsunnedcat]

Great intro stephen. Great video love the gritty ones.

[@uk-martin4905]

I believe the success of the gardens opposite the Cliffs Hotel is due to the fact that they are sunken and therefore have some shelter from both wind and sea spray. They are also situated much higher than any similar gardens could be south of Central Pier where the plants would be constantly deluged by seaspray and even, in severe weather, waves. The North Shore gardens feature Tamarisk (the windblown wispy shrub) which has a pink flower and enjoys being windblown, marigolds (which are sturdy) and (usually) very brightly-coloured daisy-type flowers called Mysembryanthemums which open in the sun (and close when its cloudy). The general greyness of Blackpool is a problem. One of the plus-factors of Blackpool is that everything is on the level by the sea but that is the sole reason why gardens cannot be successfully cultivated on the seafront. We have seen how mistaken the council was when it believed, despite all available evidence, it could have grassy areas on the Promenade. Perhaps artistic designs or imposing artwork using seashells might be an answer to bring some relief to an otherwise drab area.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks for naming the Tamarisk. They seem to thrive on the promenade. Sea Buckthorn is another great plant to grow here.

[@nbvhoho2738]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool could u get the cliff lift back open maybe u can get eden.project 3 the tower had great gardens maybe central can be a massive indoor garden buxton pavillion is rather good

[@paulgriffin5237]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool they have gardens on duglass prom isle of man

[@kathleenmccarroll3755]

Real nice green space Steven

[@jonathanr-p6761]

Couple of prime empty buildings there ready for the fire brigade to get some practice in

[@helmutweber8941]

Thank for this video

[@X-GamerPro-HD]

They need to do something about them abandoned buildings.

[@guypickup4966]

Thanks again Steven, great insight,I grew up down the road in Lytham st Anne's in Ansell we had a shop on woodlands road,but attended the brilliant catering college on ash field road, certainly changed

[@russ7151]

I was there today filming it was a bit wet and windy this afternoon

[@davidsheppard1362]

Very interesting. I've only ever been to Blackpool once. It was to see The Illuminations, but I really went to see The Trams. I spent wall day riding around on them !

[@nigelspeller1850]

Nice change of video , do keep yourself wrapped up and warm

[@jennybates]

The tide does come in downwards, in Blackpool. 😅

[@juliepownall1063]

Hi stephen thanks for braving the elements jubliee gardens are lovely your very knowledgable stephen always interesting to see your vlogs love the hotel sheraton 😊👍

[@Allgoodbookstores]

Hello Stephen, my Aunty used to have a small hotel on Gynn Avenue, I’m sure I can remember a small pitch & putt course just off the square. Am I imagining this? It’s almost 40 years ago but I’m sure we used to go down there. Love the videos by the way, keep up the good work.

[@uk-martin4905]

Your memory is as good as ever! I also remember the pitch-and-putt course just inside Gynn Gardens. That was quite a select little area. The little guesthouses always looked inviting and well cared-for.

[@Allgoodbookstores]

@@uk-martin4905 Thanks for clarifying, haha I knew it. Had some brilliant times back then. These videos bring back all kinds of memories, seeing some of those beautiful, Victorian town houses falling into ruins is heartbreaking, they’re like nostalgic ghosts, I can’t help being intrigued.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks.

[@glenkemp2071]

They need to sort out the promenade shame to see run down buildings 😢

[@scott24679554]

Can’t believe the weather Stephen, hopefully better weather for the air show , it was lovely last year , hopefully your be filming for that one , cleveleys is very windy

[@eddyhammerton3310]

That garden is maintained by volunteers not the council

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

The council love volunteers. Without them, everywhere would look a bit of a state, including Stanley Park.

[@bobbobby9798]

We should be one of the wealthiest councils in the country. Massive population in a small geographic area and more importantly all the revenue from car parks.

[@eddyhammerton3310]

@@bobbobby9798 very true the council spend millions buying property and not cleaning or maintaining the town

[@craiglancaster1882]

I’ve just got back from Paignton having only spent 24 hours there. What a shit hole it is hence why I cam straight back

[@lparky4409]

Brixham and Torquay are great, Paignton is just funfair and tat, if you like that sort of thing.

[@robinharrison3907]

Really good watch Bud👍👍I work in Blackpool and see a lot nice properties and some not 👍👍Hopefully some people will have a go at remodelling the dodging ones👍👍

[@PlasticGirl65]

Looking earlier at a picture of a new hotel they're planning to build next to the Lyndene, have you seen the picture on the boards around the ground? It looks awful, no character to it. That empty building in Gynn square was the Sherwood hotel if I'm not mistaken.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

It didn't look all that special to me, but we will see what happens.