Blackpool unveils plan for a village quarter where everyone can be who they want to be

Archived news: 9 August 2023, as reported by BBC News.

In August 2023 Blackpool Council unveiled a plan to create an official village quarter in the north of the town centre, building on the cluster of LGBTQ+ bars, guest houses and venues that had grown up there since the 1970s.

No label, and everyone welcome

The council made a deliberate choice: the area would not be called a gay village. Instead it would carry no formal label, welcome everyone, and have a simple motto: "Be who you want to be."

Where and what

The plan focused on the Claremont area, taking in streets including Queen Street, Springfield Road, High Street, Lord Street and part of Talbot Road. Manchester's Canal Street was cited as an inspiration. Ideas in the council report included street art, LGBTQ+-themed photo spots, planters and street furniture, and visual markers such as rainbow road markings, with the aim of celebrating Blackpool's LGBTQ+ heritage.

No funding was attached at first; the council hoped a clear vision would attract public and private investment.

Who was involved

The council held talks with community leaders ahead of a public consultation. Its partners were the Blackpool North Shore Business Group, the Renaissance charity, LGBT+ Facebook Friends, the guest-house group BAGS and Blackpool Pride Festival.

Early reactions

Local businesses and performers broadly welcomed the idea. One Lord Street business suggested pedestrianising the street and adding seating, and raised concerns about CCTV and police response times. A local performer spoke about feeling unsafe walking home at night and wanted more for younger people. Pride trustee Shaun Pickup saw potential for a daytime economy, a heritage trail and a community hub. Several of those ideas, from better lighting and CCTV to planters and rainbow crossings, made it into the action plan agreed in January 2024.

What came next

A survey and focus groups followed in October 2023, and the council agreed the action plan on 22 January 2024. See Rainbow Quarter set to launch.