Blackpool Council has launched a tender to find a property marketing firm capable of attracting investors to the £300m Blackpool Central project, after original investor Nikal Ltd entered administration.

The ten acre leisure and entertainment resort was intended to house two theme parks, a 200-bedroom hotel, 70,000 sq ft public events space, bars, and restaurants, but now faces an uncertain future.

“Blackpool Central sits right at the heart of our plans to make Blackpool better for everybody,” said council leader Lynn Williams. “I believe that this is one of the most exciting leisure development opportunities in the country.”

“I look forward to finding a company that shares our vision for a world-class leisure development which creates jobs for our local people, extends our tourism season and supports our local economy to grow.”

Work had already progressed on the scheme, with the council investing a £6.95m grant from the Blackpool Town Deal into demolishing buildings on the proposed site, while a 1,306 space multi-storey car park designed to service the resort opened in 2024.

Planning permission has already been granted for indoor attractions, restaurants and hotels, including the redevelopment of the area around the former King Edward VII Cinema into a heritage quarter.