Fresh start set for Blackpool’s former Merrie England Bar

Blackpool Pier Company wants to create a high-quality venue facing Talbot Square on the grade two-listed North Pier.

Plans have been submitted to Blackpool Council to transform the 8,200 sq ft site, formerly home to the Merrie England Bar, to provide a prime establishment at 120-122 Promenade.

The Joseph Boniface Architects-designed scheme would see the creation of a new central island bar and internal terrace, as well as the fitting of an atrium roof window.

Lantern-style roof lights would be added to fill the space with natural light, a transformation from the dark interior of the previous venue.

Proposals also feature an upgraded outdoor seating area in order to provide enhanced views towards the Lake District.

Blackpool Pier Company, which owns all three of Blackpool’s piers, intends to “remove any previous connotations with the Merrie England and start afresh”, according to a design and access statement.

The Merrie England opened in 1960 and has fallen into a state of disrepair since its closure.

To learn more about the plans, search for application number 23/0612 on Blackpool Council’s planning portal.