Heritage tram museum moves a step closer

Work to create a tram museum to showcase Blackpool's heritage fleet is being stepped up, with volunteers hoping to submit a bid for National Lottery funding to boost the scheme.

The team behind the Tramtown attraction, which is where the much-loved vehicles are stored, said it plans to re-open its workshops for visitors again this year although there is still no access to the tram sheds.

However, the public will be able to view the trams from outside and a bid for National Lottery funding to upgrade the Rigby Road tram shed into a fully-fledged museum is being prepared.

Planning permission was granted in October 2023 for the redevelopment of the site, including repairs to the building and creation of an event space.

Fears that the fleet could be permanently scrapped emerged in December when it was announced the popular trams were being suspended amid concerns about safety and maintenance.

Blackpool Transport managing director Jane Cole later said the aim was "to have them back on the Promenade next year".

Now it has been confirmed Tramtown will be running workshop tours in 2025. Work is also continuing to convert the depot into a visitor centre with £50,000 raised so far going towards preparing architects designs and compiling a bid to the National Lottery fund.

Ms Cole told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "These next steps will enable continuing access to Blackpool's behind the scenes tramway heritage."

Tramtown volunteer co-ordinator and councillor Paul Galley said work was under way to secure more grant funding and to achieve charity status.

He said: "I am so proud of everyone that has given so much of themselves to support the Tramtown vision, from our hard-working volunteers to visitors from around the world. In a world that is very divided, one thing everyone agrees on is Blackpool loves its heritage trams."

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