One of the world's largest indoor illumination experiences, Illuminasia, will open
in Olympia Arena at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, UK on 18 April.
The £3m investment means the 45,000sq ft (4,180sq m) space inside Olympia Arena will be made into six family-friendly zones, illuminated by 35,000 lights using Chinese lantern crafts and LED bulbs.
Investors - Shanghai's Yi Sai Culture Communication, International Special Attractions Ltd and Global Entertainment Productions – believe Illuminasia will contribute over £1m to the local economy in the first sixteen months of operation through accommodation, trade and local business employment.
“The arrival of Illuminasia in Blackpool brings significant private investment into the town and will take the town's illuminations heritage to a new level,” said Jon Conway, on behalf of International Special Attractions Ltd.
The council entered into a three-year agreement of £100,000 to refurbish Olympia in readiness for the attraction, from which they will take a cut of the profits instead of charging rent.
As many as 55 Chinese artisans have been working on the project which is creating 20 full time jobs and 40 sub-contracting roles.
Private international investments anticipate 200,000 visitors in the first year with 10% of these expected to be new visitors to the town.
Nurseries, schools and colleges are included in the target audience due to the walk-through experience of Chinese culture, language, astronomy and design activities which will take place in the newly fabricated structures, unique to Blackpool.
