Blackpool North station has a long and fascinating history. The first rail line from Preston to Blackpool opened in 1846. The route was constructed by the Preston and Wyre Railway as an extension from Poulton Le Fylde. The Preston Guardian reported on the opening.
However, this line was first built to serve the port of Fleetwood. Moreover, the Preston And Wyre Railway had its own station in Preston, situated at Maudlands, just North of the main station. Preston’s primary station was jointly operated by the LNWR and the LYR.
Today development around Blackpool North Station continues with the new tram terminus and the Talbot Gateway Project. Additionally, the Preston to Blackpool line was electrified in 2017.
Blackpool North Station opened as Blackpool in 1846 and was renamed Blackpool Talbot Road in 1872.
Blackpool Talbot Road Station
Blackpool Talbot Road Station was rebuilt in 1898 with an impressive clock tower and Veranda. Sadly, the building was demolished in 1974 when the present station took shape.
The photo below was taken by Lancashire History Group member Ian Stanworth in 1972. it shows a Class 50 Leaving Blackpool North for London.
Compare the 1972 aerial shot below with the modern Google Maps image. The reduced number of tracks is apparent. Notably, a car park now sits on the old track bed, but the houses on Banks Street remain.
Blackpool North Station today.
The Google Maps photo shows the station before the tram terminus was completed.
Electrification of the Preston to Blackpool North line
Electrification of the line from Preston to Blackpool North took place in 2017-18. Electrification had been announced in 2009. Consequently, services to both Blackpool North and Blackpool South stations were suspended in 2017. This was to allow several bridges to be raised for the overhead wires. The track layout was also changed and re-signalled.
Tramway extension
The area around Blackpool North station has also been redeveloped recently. A big feature of the renewal is the new Tramway extension. Turnouts for the extension were installed at Blackpool North Pier when the line was renewed in 2012.
The Talbot Gateway tramway extension opened in 2024. The new Holiday Inn can be seen in the background.
liveblackpool.info states:
Almost two million journeys go through Blackpool North train station every year and rail journeys to the resort are growing. 1.8m people per year arrive at Blackpool North railway station and 80% of them travel on to the Fy1, FY2 and FY4 postcode areas. The extension will capitalise on the electrification and growth in rail travel. It will make journeys for residents, commuters and visitors from the train station much easier.
