Blackpool Pleasure Beach records £314,000 loss

Artist's impression of Icon rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool Pleasure Beach recorded after-tax losses of £314,000 for the year ending 26 March 2017, accounts show.

The Lancashire amusement park has moved deeper into the red following the £2,000 loss seen recorded during the preceding 12-month period.

The loss occurred despite an increase in revenue of 4.3%, and a rise in attendances of 1% compared with the previous year.

However, the park’s ultimate holding company – which includes the Thompson family’s wider interests in the park’s hotel and financial services – recorded a £741,000 after-tax profit.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Holdings) Limited’s profits were comparable to those seen in the previous accounting year.

Annual accounts show revenue rising by 3% to £33.4m, which was attributed to a “cost cutting programme” introduced to mitigate the impact of minimum wage rises.

The park’s forthcoming new rollercoaster, Icon, is referenced in the accounts as being due for completion in “early 2018” and “ready for the 2018 season”.

The ride’s precise opening date has not yet been announced.