Merlin in Blackpool and the cost to the taxpayer

PT Pete · **Posted:** Sat Aug 04, 2012 8:49 pm

Interesting article here about how much money Blackpool council have paid to Merlin. Sounds like Merlin got a good deal...

http://philtheone.com/2012/08/the-cost-of-merlin-in-blackpool/

Key point:

Running total paid to Merlin in 19 months: £4,252,474.71 of Blackpool taxpayers money.

Monserrat · **Posted:** Sat Aug 04, 2012 11:48 pm

It surprises me that they're receiving hand-outs, considering that they have downsized by losing Bling, Trauma Towers and Space Invader. As a business, I thought that Merlin would at least have to pay corporation tax. Any financial difficulties, then you go for a loan. Well at least you do in Roller Coaster Tycoon 3

PT Pete · **Posted:** Sun Aug 05, 2012 2:59 pm

I think youre getting confused between what Merlin own and what the Pleasure beach own. This is purely to do with the Merlin operated attractions in Blackpool, ie the Tower complex. Merlin do not own the Pleasure Beach

Monserrat · **Posted:** Sun Aug 05, 2012 4:39 pm

Ahh my bad, sorry Pete :-) I forgot; it was Amanda Thompson who runs the Pleasure Beach, although I don't recall the name of the company who she runs it on behalf of.

Cal · **Posted:** Sun Aug 05, 2012 5:38 pm

It's family run, still.

Bccmiddlewicket · **Posted:** Mon Aug 13, 2012 4:33 pm

£4M smackeroonies :shock:

Wow, note to towns do not allow Merlin in! :snigger

ColinM · **Posted:** Wed Aug 15, 2012 2:49 pm

I'm *sure* we heard somewhere that Blackpool council helped fund Nickelodeonland too...?

PT Pete · **Posted:** Wed Aug 15, 2012 3:02 pm

Yep half the money was in the form of a loan, which Pleasure Beach are paying back.

The new Wallace and Gromit ride is also being funded by a loan from the council (or a part of the council at least)

Merlin in Blackpool and the cost to the taxpayer

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