Mention Blackpool and you will immediately think of the UK’s first and most famous seaside resort with its world-famous lights, tower, glittering ballroom and entertainment shows from circus and magic through to comedy, that attract the biggest names in the business as well as up and coming acts.

As you can imagine there are so many exceptional and untold stories that are just waiting to be shared and the town’s first ever museum, Showtown, will be the destination for revealing these tales exploring the history of dancers, acrobats and comedians who have performed in the area as well as stories from behind-the-scenes from producers, visitors and residents that provide a new insight into the history of Blackpool. On display will be over 800 memorabilia that will surely bring back many fond memories. More than a museum, it’s an immersive attraction with experiences and activities that will provide fun for all the family from juggling to Punch and Judy shows and its changing exhibitions will attract visitors back time and time again. Showtown, located within the new Sands Venue Resort Hotel and Spa next to Blackpool Tower, is set to open its doors in 2023.

The museum will be creating approx. 40 jobs, offering 20 training placements, engaging with local residents and schools and aims to attract 300,000 visitors a year – all of which help to work towards the town’s exciting regeneration plans.

Following funding in 2019 from National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund, the Coastal Communities Fund and the Lancashire Growth Deal, construction work has now begun on site and Focus are privileged to be providing Cost Management services working alongside Blackpool Council, Buttress Architects, exhibition designer Casson Mann and Lancashire-based construction firm Conlon Construction.

Focus were first involved with the project providing a due diligence review of project status and costs suggesting options on how to re-work the scope given the budget challenges it was facing. With extensive experience gained over 25 years from similar heritage projects, Focus are well placed to see the project across the line on budget, bringing with them the following skills to ensure a successful outcome:

• proven expertise in exhibition fit out Quantity Surveying delivery
• intimate knowledge of the processes and procedures used by grant regimes, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Growth Deal Fund, and Coastal Communities Fund
• a track record that includes some of the largest and most prestigious museum, interpretation and conservation projects in the United Kingdom such as D-Day Museum, V&A Museum and National Army Museum.

Eleanor Clarke, Partner at Focus said “It is wonderful to be involved in a project that looks to celebrate the town’s rich heritage and we look forward to seeing this vision come to life.”

Councillor Lynn Williams, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture, said

“As Blackpool’s first museum we wanted to work with a company that truly understands our product and is on board with all the excitement that is to come.  Showtown, the museum of fun and entertainment, will bring a boost of positive energy to this amazing town.

“We are delighted to be working with Focus Consultants on the cost management of the Showtown exhibition.  They come with a wealth of experience in managing successful cultural developments up and down the country.”

To find out more about the project and to keep up to date with its progress please visit https://www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/

Image: Copyright Casson Mann