Blackpool goes wireless
A new wi-fi zone has been created in Blackpool town centre to boost the town's visitor economy.
The £150k Wireless Blackpool project has created "hot spots" at over a dozen sites, giving internet access to residents, visitors and conference delegates.
The project has been designed by Blackpool Council to enhance the overall town centre offer and complement the physical improvements that have already taken place at HoundsHill and are currently underway on Birley Street and Cedar Square.
The zones already activated include the Winter Gardens, Church Street, Victoria Street, Birley Street, Corporation Street and the areas around North Station and Central Car Park. More will follow over coming months.
It means that visitors and residents coming into the town centre with a wireless laptop or phone can access selected sites free of charge, including VisitBlackpool, Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Live.
In addition, a voucher scheme will be rolled out during the summer which will allow selected businesses such as cafes, bars, restaurants and conference venues to give customers unlimited access to the web for designated periods of time.
The scheme has been developed by Blackpool Council's ICT team in association with BlackpoolUnlimited.com, using Local Enterprise Growth Initiative funding.
Cllr Maxine Callow, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Regeneration, said: "This is another new service aimed at driving up confidence in Blackpool's town centre. By creating wi-fi zones in key public spaces we can start to develop the sort of cafe culture that is integral to a high quality town or city centre.
"It will help businesses to become more competitive by giving additional value to their customers. It also gives us the opportunity to give an extra incentive to the thousands of conference delegates who come to Blackpool.
"Most of all, it illustrates the fact that we are determined to modernise Blackpool and create a visitor experience that is unique. We can then build on the growing perception that Blackpool town centre is an attractive proposition in which to invest."
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