"Time to modernise or face being labelled as too old and tatty" says renowned Blackpool DJ and entrepreneur Jason Fubar.
In a passionate social media post, he has called for bold steps to revitalise the iconic seaside town, sharing his vision for a brighter, more modern future. He highlighted both the town’s proud heritage and the urgent need for progress to keep Blackpool relevant and attractive to visitors.
Reflecting on Blackpool’s golden era, Fubar wrote, "The Victorians & entrepreneurs built amazing structures in Blackpool: the three piers, Blackpool Tower, the Winter Gardens & much more. The town has more than milked its old-school charm and heritage, but it's looking very rough around the edges."
Fubar, who has been deeply involved in Blackpool’s entertainment scene for decades, believes the town needs transformative new attractions to secure its future. "What this era needs are structures that define the future of the seaside resort. We need modern & popular attractions; otherwise, we are going to be the last place people want to visit," he emphasised.
One of his key proposals is the development of a state-of-the-art arena. "A modern arena would be a great start – something 15-25k capacity – with better hotels around it to cope with demand for touring acts," he suggested. He also advocated for the reopening of Blackpool Airport for commercial flights, making the town more accessible to domestic and international tourists.
Fubar is equally concerned about the town’s appearance. "Making the 1st & 2nd streets back from the prom more inviting and fashionable instead of looking run down and dilapidated is 100% a priority too," he wrote. He also criticised the state of many guesthouses and B&Bs, arguing that the council should approve more modern Airbnb-style accommodations.
He called out neglected landmarks such as the Norbreck Castle and the Metropole Hotel, noting their impact on Blackpool’s reputation. "Can we have the Metropole Hotel back for tourists, please? Look how the businesses behind it have almost all gone," he remarked.
Despite his critiques, Fubar’s message was one of hope and dedication. "As someone that's heavily invested into Blackpool, I still love the place and just want to see it doing better," he concluded.
Fubar’s vision has struck a chord with residents and fans alike, sparking a wider conversation about how to balance Blackpool’s rich history with its potential for modernisation.
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