A new role for Blackpool 643

Blackpool Centenary car 643 has recently opened for business in a new role – as a static dining car at its new home of Broadwater Caravan Park. The tram was sold to the local business following withdrawal from service, departing Rigby Road for the final time in January 2012, and just over a year later its appearance has been completely transformed.

As reported previously, 643 has finally lost its ugly black and white livery left behind from its previous G Casino all-over advert, in favour of a much more stylish cream and green design inspired by the 1950s Blackpool Coronation car livery. Although not historically authentic for this 1980s-built tramcar, 643 looks remarkably good in this new guise and has attracted much praise already. Its appearance has been smartly finished off with the addition of gold fleet numbers, although for now the black pantograph tower acts as a reminder of its previous appearance.

Internally, 643 has had its fixed seats moved around slightly so that two double seats face each other, with a table in between to suit its new function. Approximately one half of the interior is being used as a cafeteria serving light refreshments, whilst the other half includes a small kitchen area. It is expected that some soft play equipment will be added to this end of the tram in due course to create a small play area for young children. The cafe tram commenced trading over the Easter weekend and will presumably be open throughout the year, offering both visitors to the caravan park, and tram enthusiats wanting to reaquaint themselves with an old friend, the chance to enjoy a drink and a snack in unusual surroundings.

Old tram bodies have often been re-used in this manner overseas, but the practice is far less common in the UK. Broadwater Caravan Park deserve to be highly commended for putting this tram to such an imaginative use, and have almost certainly saved 643 from being scrapped. Hopefully this novel venture will prove to be a big success and justify the expense of purchasing and renovating the redundant tram.

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1 Response to A new role for Blackpool 643

  1. David l says:

    Does anyone have the postcode/address for this park?
    Can you just pop in for a coffee or do you need to be staying on the park?
    Thanks

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