Blackpool Transport have announced that plans for an upgrade of the Rigby Road Depot site \u2013 which is due to include the installation of new equipment for the introduction of electric buses as well as the restoration of the tram shed to become the Tramtown visitor attraction \u2013 continues to evolve and that there are currently \u201cno firm plans committed to any designs\u201d. The latest development (which seems the wrong word when its probably the opposite at the moment!) comes after a board meeting in November of which the minutes were released in mid-December.<\/p>\n
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Before we get to these latest developments we\u2019ll go backwards in a time a bit to what we had been expecting to happen. With much fanfare the Rigby Road Depot site was announced to be redeveloped which would see the existing tram shed restored and upgraded (becoming Tramtown), see the workshop facilities moved into the main shed and the original workshop buildings (paint shop, body shop, fitting shop) demolished to make room for infrastructure needed for the introduction of electric buses (the other areas of the bus side of the depot would also be redeveloped for the new electric buses).<\/p>\n
The Tramtown project would be split into several phases, the first of which had been expected to be started in the short-term and would see work on a third of the roof (a known area of concern for some time). A Crowdfunder had been launched for this work to take place and when this didn\u2019t raise enough funds it was announced that Blackpool Transport\/Council were to give \u00a3800,000 to allow the works to commence.<\/p>\n
Things probably started to get a bit muddy when areas of the depot were put under a notice from the ORR which limited access and then in September 2023 the workshops and tram depot were cordoned off to allow Blackpool Transport to bring in surveyors to look at the condition of the buildings and what work would be needed for repairs and\/or demolition. Following this a statement from Blackpool Transport confirmed they remained committed to the Tramtown project and that further updates would follow.<\/p>\n
Move forward to November 2023 and a board meeting of Blackpool Transport agreed the following: \u201cTo endorse retaining the Fitting Shop and Paint Shop, the retention of South Garage and not to repair the Tramshed roof at this time.\u201d With the minutes from the meeting released and no other comment at the time this obviously led to various comment online and a few days later a statement was released by Blackpool Transport \u2013 this is provided in full below:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to address recent speculation circulating, especially on social media, regarding the Rigby Road site and the electric bus project. Here\u2019s an update on where things stand:<\/p>\n
\u201cBlackpool Transport and Blackpool Council are collaborating on redesigning the Rigby Road site for the electric bus project. However, it\u2019s crucial to clarify that there are NO firm plans committed to any designs at this time. The project is still in a fluid state, and discussions are ongoing.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThere has been speculation on the minutes of a Shareholder meeting held in November 2023. We want to emphasise that the project remains dynamic, and no definitive decisions have been made regarding the site\u2019s design.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cInitial discussions involved seeking authority to reduce the number of charging points for electric buses and retain the fitting shop. However, plans have evolved, and further details for the Rigby Road site are still being refined.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe tram shed roof is undergoing a comprehensive survey by Blackpool Council to determine repair costs. Until the survey results are known, Tramtown tours will remain temporarily closed. We appreciate your patience and understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cTo ensure the longevity of our assets, the Heritage operation will be suspended from January 2024 until March 2024. This period is earmarked for essential maintenance work.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe understand the importance of keeping our community informed. Further updates will be provided once a firm project plan is in place for the Electric bus scheme and ongoing Heritage operations, including Tramtown.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYour support is invaluable as we navigate through these dynamic developments. Stay tuned for more information, and thank you for your continued understanding.<\/span>\u201d<\/p>\n The gist of this seems to be that although plans have previously been announced they are now being reviewed and no actual decision has been made as to what the future Rigby Road site will look like \u2013 both on the bus and tram side of operations. The survey of the closed off areas of the depot continues and this looks set to help decisions to be made on what is feasible for the areas of the depot which we are concerned with on the tram side of things.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve known about the temporary suspension of Heritage Tram operations from January-March 2024 for some time, so in that regard little changes for the immediate future and once Illumination Tours and Mini Festive Tours conclude at the end of December there will be a hiatus of heritage trams on the Prom for a few months. During this period there is due to be maintenance work but with areas of the depot still closed whether this will be impacted remains to be seen.<\/p>\n There will be more updates as and when they are received.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Blackpool Transport have announced that plans for an upgrade of the Rigby Road Depot site \u2013 which is due to include the installation of new equipment for the introduction of electric buses as well as the restoration of the tram … Continue reading