Southbeach Streetfood to bring flavour, flair, and fresh jobs to the iconic promenade
A bold new chapter in Blackpool’s culinary and cultural offering is about to be written. Plans for a shipping container-based food and drink venue on the town’s seafront have officially been given the green light—despite stirring up a fair bit of local debate.
Named Southbeach Streetfood, the ambitious development will see 19 repurposed shipping containers arranged over single and double-storey structures at the northern end of Flagstaff Gardens on the Promenade. The venue promises a vibrant mix of global cuisine, open-air terraces, and a bustling community vibe—all within view of the Irish Sea.
What’s Coming?
At the heart of the project is a desire to breathe new life into Blackpool’s waterfront by introducing a diverse mix of street food, casual dining, and drinks—housed in eye-catching, upcycled shipping containers.
The layout will include:
- Open seating areas with views of the sea
- Rooftop terraces for alfresco dining
- A family-friendly environment designed to cater to all tastes and dietary requirements
Expect everything from vegan burritos and gluten-free Thai wraps to good old-fashioned fish and chips—with a twist.
The developers have also confirmed a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Dishes will cater to vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-sensitive diets, with a special focus on providing healthy and low-calorie options.
A Rocky Road to Approval
The project’s journey to approval wasn’t entirely smooth sailing.
Objections came in from United Utilities, who raised concerns about the site’s proximity to key wastewater infrastructure. They feared that the heavy footfall and structural footprint might interfere with underground access points.
Blackpool Council’s Public Health team also weighed in, questioning whether the development could realistically deliver the promised nutritional standards across vendors.
Nevertheless, after an updated proposal and close consultation with planning officers, Blackpool’s planning committee gave the green light—with 18 very specific conditions attached.
These include:
- No fixed structures over key water infrastructure
- A strictly adhered-to Drainage Maintenance Strategy
- Implementation of a detailed Noise Management Plan
- A seven-year landscaping and planting plan to maintain green space around the venue
Operating Hours and Local Impact
Southbeach Streetfood will operate 10am to 11pm Monday through Saturday, and 10am to 10pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays, striking a balance between buzz and residential calm.
Crucially, the project is expected to generate a wave of employment opportunities. The developers have already announced plans to recruit:
- Chefs and kitchen staff
- Site managers
- Waiting and cleaning staff
- On-site security and maintenance teams
This injection of jobs and footfall is being welcomed by some local businesses eager for a post-pandemic boost.
“We’re not just building a venue—we’re building a community experience,” said a spokesperson for the development team. “We want people to come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a little more love for Blackpool.”
Why It Matters
This project reflects a broader trend seen in cities like London, Bristol, and Manchester, where shipping container parks have become hubs of creativity, entrepreneurship, and urban regeneration.
For Blackpool, a town often caught between its historic legacy and the desire for modern relevance, Southbeach Streetfood represents something important: a fresh, contemporary attraction that appeals to residents, tourists, and foodies alike.
Southbeach Streetfood to bring flavour, flair, and fresh jobs to the iconic promenade
A bold new chapter in Blackpool’s culinary and cultural offering is about to be written. Plans for a shipping container-based food and drink venue on the town’s seafront have officially been given the green light—despite stirring up a fair bit of local debate.
Named Southbeach Streetfood, the ambitious development will see 19 repurposed shipping containers arranged over single and double-storey structures at the northern end of Flagstaff Gardens on the Promenade. The venue promises a vibrant mix of global cuisine, open-air terraces, and a bustling community vibe—all within view of the Irish Sea.
What’s Coming?
At the heart of the project is a desire to breathe new life into Blackpool’s waterfront by introducing a diverse mix of street food, casual dining, and drinks—housed in eye-catching, upcycled shipping containers.
The layout will include:
- Open seating areas with views of the sea
- Rooftop terraces for alfresco dining
- A family-friendly environment designed to cater to all tastes and dietary requirements
Expect everything from vegan burritos and gluten-free Thai wraps to good old-fashioned fish and chips—with a twist.
The developers have also confirmed a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Dishes will cater to vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-sensitive diets, with a special focus on providing healthy and low-calorie options.
A Rocky Road to Approval
The project’s journey to approval wasn’t entirely smooth sailing.
Objections came in from United Utilities, who raised concerns about the site’s proximity to key wastewater infrastructure. They feared that the heavy footfall and structural footprint might interfere with underground access points.
Blackpool Council’s Public Health team also weighed in, questioning whether the development could realistically deliver the promised nutritional standards across vendors.
Nevertheless, after an updated proposal and close consultation with planning officers, Blackpool’s planning committee gave the green light—with 18 very specific conditions attached.
These include:
- No fixed structures over key water infrastructure
- A strictly adhered-to Drainage Maintenance Strategy
- Implementation of a detailed Noise Management Plan
- A seven-year landscaping and planting plan to maintain green space around the venue
Operating Hours and Local Impact
Southbeach Streetfood will operate 10am to 11pm Monday through Saturday, and 10am to 10pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays, striking a balance between buzz and residential calm.
Crucially, the project is expected to generate a wave of employment opportunities. The developers have already announced plans to recruit:
- Chefs and kitchen staff
- Site managers
- Waiting and cleaning staff
- On-site security and maintenance teams
This injection of jobs and footfall is being welcomed by some local businesses eager for a post-pandemic boost.
“We’re not just building a venue—we’re building a community experience,” said a spokesperson for the development team. “We want people to come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a little more love for Blackpool.”
Why It Matters
This project reflects a broader trend seen in cities like London, Bristol, and Manchester, where shipping container parks have become hubs of creativity, entrepreneurship, and urban regeneration.
For Blackpool, a town often caught between its historic legacy and the desire for modern relevance, Southbeach Streetfood represents something important: a fresh, contemporary attraction that appeals to residents, tourists, and foodies alike.
