Blackpool Tower gets £3m facelift

The fifth floor of the tower will be redeveloped

Blackpool's famous landmark tower is to be given a £3m facelift.

The money will go towards developing an interactive playground and a new restaurant.

The seafront tower, which opened in 1894 and used to also boast a zoo, will be refurbished in the theme of a "Lost City" for children.

Some of the tower's original features, such as windows, original panels and tiles, will also be restored. The work is expected to be completed by March.

The fifth floor of the tower, which is a Grade I listed building, currently houses Jungle Jim's play area, which was opened in 1982.

Blackpool needs and deserves investment of this scale Geoff Sage, Blackpool Tower

The area will be re-named Jungle Jim's Towering Adventureland and developers have said it will be "the most innovative and interactive playscheme of its kind in the UK".

Blackpool Tower general manager Geoff Sage said the project will help restore the town to its former glory.

He said: "It's great news for Blackpool Tower and the resort as a whole. Blackpool needs and deserves investment of this scale to re-establish it as the jewel as the north.

"The announcement of this investment reaffirms our commitment to Blackpool's future prosperity.

"We also hope that it will turn the current tide and see other projects announced, funds committed and schemes granted, all with the aim of restoring Blackpool to its former glory."