Tramtown: statement on its future

Last week the future of the 90 year old engineering workshed that serves our heritage trams and acts as a visitor attraction – Tramtown – was called into question as a council report revealed it is in need of millions of pounds of repairs.

Concerned constituents have been getting in touch with me regarding the future of Tramtown and Blackpool’s heritage trams and I fully understand why they are worried.

Blackpool’s heritage trams are a vital part of our town’s identity and I have consistently supported their preservation.

The Council has clarified that no decision has been taken on the future of the Tramtown workshop building and that discussions are still ongoing. I have also been reassured that the heritage trams themselves are not at risk – they are stored in the main tram shed which is not part of the current proposals.

It’s positive that the Council is working with Tramtown representatives on potential funding bids for a new and improved visitor experience within the main shed. This is the kind of long-term thinking that can secure the future of Tramtown in a sustainable way.

I strongly encourage all parties to continue working constructively together, particularly in relation to funding bids and long-term solutions.

I’ll be discussing this further with the Chief Executive and the Leader of the council this week and will continue to press for an outcome that protects Blackpool’s heritage trams and Tramtown for generations to come.