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Pleasure Beach at a loss.

furie

furie

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Pleasure Beach at a loss.



During the tax year 2008/2009 (April 2008 to April 2009) Pleasure Beach Resort Blackpool have posted a loss of £3.9 million.

While this may initially seem like sour news, it also includes over repayment on bank loans to reduce interest.

The 2009 season at Blackpool then saw further cutbacks at the resort, mainly the loss of the shows Blackpool are famed for. This has given the park a saving of £3.5 million pounds. Visitor numbers also seem to have increased over the last 12 months, so it is likely that the 2009/2010 figures will show a much healthier bank balance.

No news yet on whether this will affect the proposed new ride planned to be installed for the 2011 season.

Source:

Blackpool Gazette
 
This is pretty mental I thought. When you hear about Merlin making £666 million PROFIT and Blackpool making a loss, it really does put into perspective how hard it must be being an independant company in this climate.

I was hoping they drew a link with loosing money and charging entry fee so they'd rid of it, but the fact they paid off debts is pretty good, and is actually a good sign for the future of the park.

I like Blackpool, so it's a shame they need a massive attraction to compete with the likes of Saw and Thirteen to succeed in the industry and simply can't afford it.

But, like I said, a good thing long term that they're paying off debts?
 
Strange that they have loans to pay off anyway considering how long the Pleasure Beach has been around.

I'm guessing that the visitors figure just includes wristband sales for the past year, given that they surely can't have as many people in the park with the £5 entry charge.
 
^These numbers are before the wristband thing was introduced though. The figures are for April 2008 to April 2009. So only a little bit of the pay entry only will be included. It's the next financial statement which will be interesting.

Maybe they are paying off the loan for the incredibly expensive water fountain (£6 million wasn't it? lol).
 
Well at least they are clearing their loans but its not really clever shutting down rides and shows to do this in m view.

When they reopen the rides or shows they will make a loss again so they will end up clearing the loans and get back in trouble again.

Now if the families sue for the Big Dipper crash they will be more in debt.

I assume the debts are from before Amanda took over and they are not from building the hotel etc. The debt does not seem that bad though but I would have thought the park would be making enough to clear the debt faster than they are.

Will be interesting to see how they done this year, even Camalot made a profit.

I do hope they can turn it around though.
 
^You make a fair point. Why the **** did they bother with a water fountain. There's a massive water feature at Blackpool already. :roll: I mean, why...?

Last time I visited the Pleasure Beach I thought it felt... well... run down. Old is the wrong work, it should have that classic theme park feel to it, especially with all those great old coasters, however it just felt run-down.

It'd be a great park if the money was directed the right way.
 
Let's clear up two things :)

1. This did NOT include a full year of Wristband/entrance fee's - just the early part of last year.
2. The fountains cost £80,000. You couldn't get a new kid's roundabout for that much.

Ta da! :)

No idea what the loans are for, but from what I can gather, Geoffery Thompson took out large loans for the hotel, Valhalla, etc. When he died, the banks came down on Amanda and demanded more to paid back, as she, well just wasn't Geoffery Thompson. It may be spin, but it sounds pretty true.

The only reason this didn't happen in 2007 was due to the sale of the Pleasureland rides and site. They made £7.5 million from selling the Pleasureland site, who knows how many millions selling of the rides? So that certainly covered them that year. 2006 season they just broke even.

So yeah, the financial statement next year will be the really interesting one.
 
furie said:
They made £7.5 million from selling the Pleasureland site, who knows how many millions selling of the rides? So that certainly covered them that year.
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Odd, I thought they took a wrecking ball to most of them. :lol:
 
Nah, they made sure that they made a packet out of LWV selling them a huge pile of scrap metal they pretended was an operation ride first :lol:
 
Hope that it doesnt effect BPB's future too much, although shouldn't think it would if they've been around for so long. Isn't it a national treasury location almost?
 
2009 has been a great year for UK tourist dstinations, just as we assumed, hasn't it? If that's the case then BPB should be all good to make their 550ft coaster, right? :lol:
 
You'd be shocked by the cost of them. I think the Kiddy Roundabouts go for between £5,000 and £10,000.

I don't know how much Chaos would have been, but I'll bet you're looking six figures - which is a lot for that piece of tosh.

Again, a good six figure number for Barnstomer too at Loudon. Maybe the same kind of numbers for Wildcat?

They'll have certainly made hundreds of thousands from those sales across the board.
 
Wasn't too sure where to post this, but thought it was the best topic for it. BPP have announced what is new for 2010:

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2010 AT PLEASURE BEACH RESORT
At Pleasure Beach Resort we want to ensure that all guests will enjoy amazing experiences throughout 2010. An investment of £2.25m has been made for the new season to ensure that customer experiences are greatly enhanced.

There is a stunning addition to the Pleasure Beach entrance which will act as an oasis of calm and tranquillity prior to continuing on to a day of fun and thrills.

An old classic has been given a modern twist as new for this year, state of the art Dodgems have been added to the already impressive ride line up.

Going from strength to strength is our Education Academy. New for this year the range of courses and packages will be expanded to meet the needs of schools and groups.

Pleasure Beach Entrance

Phase 2 of Pleasure Beach’s new entrance is ready to be unveiled to the public. Once customers have purchased their wristbands or passes from our state of the art Ticket Centre and entered the park via our secure airport style scanners and turnstyles they will now enter Pleasure Beach’s new Sculpture Garden. Situated adjacent to the towering Ice Blast and classic Flying Machines, the Sculpture Garden is the perfect place to meet, pause and relax before heading out into the thrills and spills of Pleasure Beach Resort.

Designed by David Harber and Natasha Webb, whose work is already on display at such prestigious sites as Raffles Hotel, Dubai, Eton College and Heathrow’s Terminal 5, the gardens comprise of a series of cascading water features, reflective portals, glass walls and steel structures. The sculptures combine to create a dramatic visual delight and the perfect entrance to the world famous amusement park.


Dodgems

New for 2010 are our brand new, state of the art Dodgems. Situated beneath the imposing Irn Bru Revolution, this classic ride is sure to be a hit with all the family. An eye catching livery makes these dodgems contemporary and lifts them above and beyond what you would expect from this classic type of ride. These new Italian designed cars are truly the Rolls Royce of Dodgems. Robbie Williams, on his last trip to Pleasure Beach, declared Dodgems his favourite ride, the tattoo art designs on the cars are inspired by the legendary singer himself.

Education Academy

After a successful first year, our Education Academy continues to bring learning to life at Pleasure Beach. The facility provides dedicated classroom facilities, education programmes from Key Stage 1 –4, delivery of diplomas in construction, built environment, hospitality and creative media. We are also developing a programme of apprenticeships and work placement opportunities for local students.

Advertising

Following up 2009’s award winning advertising campaigns, Pleasure Beach will be continuing this activity throughout 2010. Television, radio and outdoors advertising will be used to communicate with customers.

Talent Shows

Pleasure Beach runs a number of fantastic talent shows which are suitable for all ages or talents. Every Thursday in August we will be hosting the Big One Talent on Stage and the Big One Talent on Ice shows. Both shows are for under 18s only and take place in the Globe Theatre and Pleasure Beach Arena respectively. Every Friday from 2nd July to 27th August, Star Idol returns to the Horseshoe. Join us each week as top talent will compete for the top prize as well as the title Star Idol 2010. For more information please visit our website.

Hot Ice Academy and Masterclass

Hot Ice Masterclass is a special one day course where any aspiring skaters can learn skills from professional skaters and chorographers. This takes place 10th April 2010. Hot Ice Academy is the ice summer school with a difference, whatever your level, from beginner to advanced we have 3 separate category of course to suit any level. These courses run on selected weekdays in August. Call 01253 341707 for details.

Big Dipper

The iconic Big Dipper station has received a £500,000 upgrade for the 2010 season. The refurbishment has been sympathetic to the original design of the ride station, which dates back to the 1930’s. New murals have been created for the walls, a new fountain has been added and the classic tower and dome have been renovated.

Fun Weekends

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool will open its gates for the first time in 2010 on Saturday February 13th 10.30am for the first, fantastic Fun Weekend.

Fun Weekends kick off on 13th & 14th February and run up to the weekend of 27th & 28th March. Fun Weekend prices also continue during the week commencing 29th March and continue until Good Friday, 2nd April. On these special days all adult wristbands are only ½ price if booked online - £30 on the gates and an amazing £15 if booked online. Junior and senior wristbands are £25 on the gates and £12.50 if booked online.

That’s unlimited riding from just £12.50! Beat the winter blues by riding Europe’s tallest, fastest roller coaster - the Pepsi Max Big One. Hold your breath as you board Infusion, the exhilarating, five looping coaster which is the first in the world to be suspended completely over water. Brave Valhalla - the world’s most spectacular dark ride which features amazing thrills, spills and special effects.

If you prefer things a little more sedate why not take a trip on our very own steam locomotive, the Pleasure Beach Express, take a leisurely cruise on the River Caves or enjoy the Spectacular Dancing Water Show.

Pleasure Beach is also pleased to be a part of Showzam 2010, Blackpool’s Festival of Circus, Magic and New Variety. On Saturday 13th February from 2pm, the Globe Theatre plays host to The Big Showzam Talent Show. Guest judges will view performers from all categories from the entertainment industry, whether you're a stilt-walker, opera singer, clown, magician or juggler, the stage at the Globe awaits you...

Showzam and Stageworks Worldwide Productions present, in the home of magic, the Horseshoe at Pleasure Beach Blackpool, “Queens of Magic”. This high camp magic production runs between Tuesday16th February and Saturday 20th February. This hilarious evening of magic, illusion, comedy, song & dance will be variety at its best! For more information please call 0871 222 1234.

How to enter Pleasure Beach

There are 2 great ways to enjoy Pleasure Beach. All visitors can purchase either an unlimited ride wristband or a £5 Pleasure Beach Pass which allows access to the park along with the chance to experience the Pleasure Beach Express, Chinese Puzzle Maze, South Beach Show and the Spectacular Dancing Water Show.

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool opens daily from Monday 29th March through until Sunday 7th November (excluding selected weekdays). For more information visit our website or call 0871 222 1234.

To take advantage of our fantastic online offers and to keep up to date with the latest news, please visit the website at www.pleasurebeachresort.com
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Onion_Fountain1.jpg
 
I like the art for the Dipper renovation. But it just shows to go that they ARE moving towards being a historic site as opposed to an expanding theme park. ;)
 
^ Well yeah but you can look at both sides of the coin, at least their investing in the old rides, so it shows they do have a future in the Pleasure Beach.

Though its clearly a 'RCT' style crash cover up :P

Just need a new name now...
 
Designed by David Harber and Natasha Webb, whose work is already on display at such prestigious sites as Raffles Hotel, Dubai, Eton College and Heathrow’sTerminal 5, the gardens comprise of a series of cascading water features, reflective portals, glass walls and steel structures. The sculptures combine to create a dramatic visual delight and the perfect entrance to the world famous amusement park.
Click to expand...

Put your bag down and you'll never see it again. :lol:


Not sure about the new Big Dipper thing yet.. The old tippy bucket one was lovely!
 
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