Newsroom

23 February 2022

Plans outlined for Conservative Party Spring Conference

Blackpool is preparing to host its first major political conference since 2007, with the Conservative Party returning to the resort for its Spring Conference on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 March 2022.

Inside of Winter Gardens conference centre with escalators crisscrossing over each other
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The event will see a series of key speeches and meetings held at the newly-opened Winter Gardens Conference & Exhibition Centre. The main conference will be preceded by a prestigious business dinner on the evening of Thursday 17 and a meeting attended by business leaders on the morning of Friday 18.

Blackpool Council is working in partnership with Lancashire Police, the Winter Gardens and other organisations across the town to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place for the event. As a result, there will be some changes in effect in the town centre between Tuesday 15 March and Saturday 19 March.

The following sections of road will be closed from the morning of Wednesday 16 March until Saturday 19 March:

  • Leopold Grove (closure to vehicles and pedestrians between the junction of Adelaide Street and Church Street)
  • Adelaide Street (closure to vehicles between the junction of Leopold Grove and Coronation Street)
  • Coronation Street (closure to vehicles and pedestrians between Victoria Street and Church Street. The junction of Coronation Street and Victoria Street will be closed, however, there will be access for pedestrians turning right from Victoria Street via a walkway outside Bella Italia)
  • Church Street (closure to vehicles between the junction of Cedar Square, Birley Street and Corporation Street, outside the Grand Theatre)
  • Adelphi Street and Carter Street (closure to vehicles and pedestrians)
  • Alfred Street (closure to vehicles between Adelaide Street and Church Street)

To enable the closures to take place, some parking restrictions might be in place on the above streets from Tuesday 15 March onwards. Houndshill Car Park will remain open as usual throughout, however the council is advising residents and visitors to be mindful that the above closures might affect access to parking in nearby areas.

Safety fencing and diversions will be in place between the above dates, and warning signs will be displayed in the area. There will be police officers stationed throughout the town centre for the duration of the event.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Blackpool Council’s Leader, said:

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“We’re delighted that Blackpool is set to host its first major political conference in 15 years. The Spring Conference represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase the state-of-the-art facilities at the new Conference & Exhibition Centre, and we’re looking forward to welcoming delegates next month. “This is a high-profile event which will bring increased footfall to the town centre, so naturally there will be a detailed security operation in place. Whilst we always try to minimise disruption wherever possible, we take the safety of residents and visitors extremely seriously, and with the help of the Police and wider partners, we are taking steps to ensure the event goes ahead with all the proper precautions in place. “We ask that people familiarise themselves with the temporary changes and allow some extra time for any journeys through the town centre.”
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Superintendent Mark Morley, of Lancashire Police, said:

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“We are working closely with Blackpool Council and a range of other organisations to deliver a safe and secure event whilst minimising any inconvenience to our local communities. We will have a very visible police presence around the Winter Gardens throughout the conference so we’d encourage people to speak to one of our officers or call us if they have any concerns.”
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Anyone who is worried by, or sees, any suspicious activity can alert the police. If a crime is in progress or you think someone may be in danger, please call 999 immediately.

You can report other non-emergency information either by visiting the Lancashire Police website or by calling 101. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

Any updates to the above plans will be posted on our Road Closures page.

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