CINEMATIC WONDERLAND
BY THE SEA

Reimagining the magic of movie night 

Blackpool isn’t short of history, but when we were asked to help reimagine a brand-new cinema and dining destination at the heart of its Winter Gardens regeneration, we weren’t interested in nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. The goal was clear: to honour the spirit of Blackpool’s past while designing for its future. That meant bold moves, modern magic, and just enough glitz to make things sparkle.

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From the outset, this was about more than just screens and seats. We were brought in to set the concept direction across the entire venue — from the external signage and internal concourses, to the F&B spaces, the concessions area, a private VIP lounge and a standalone diner. Even the name, The Backlot, came out of our early conversations, playing on behind-the-scenes film magic and the layered, cinematic feel we wanted to evoke.

We dug deep into two guiding ideas. First, Forward - Thinking Blackpool Escapism - a venue worthy of the town’s showbiz past but pushing towards something brighter, bolder and more modern. Second, A Celebration of Cinema - hidden Easter eggs, playful references and that special ‘lights down’ feeling of going to the movies. From the start, this was about creating a cinematic wonderland.

From Carnival Spirit to Cinematic Charm

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You’ll spot our work before you even step inside. The building’s exterior signage is a love letter to both Blackpool’s bright lights and Hollywood hotel façades. A traditional-style readograph greets visitors at the entrance, updated with digital screens to bring old-school charm into a new era. Step through the doors and it’s clear this isn’t just any multiplex.

The screens themselves are dressed in velvets and drama. Seating is plush and playful — rich crimsons, bold teals, soft blush — each space wrapped in colour and comfort. Lighting features add a glam touch that tips the hat to cinema’s golden age, but with a playful twist that’s unmistakably Blackpool.

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THEre’S ALWAYS TIME FOR A TREAT

In the concessions hub, we let our imaginations run wild. Think Willy Wonka meets seaside candy stall. Pipes, signage, and custom elements were arranged in a semi-circle to create a buzzing, treat-filled nucleus. Cinema references and cheeky wordplay appear throughout, brought to life in neon and bulbs. A space for sweet-toothed moviegoers, designed to delight.

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Designed for Togetherness

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Off the main IMAX — the largest screen outside London, no less - you’ll find the VIP lounge. This was a big one. Owned by the council, the building had to serve the community as much as the cinema crowd. The lounge was shaped to be flexible and welcoming, complete with a ‘Better Together Blackpool’ sign, nostalgic movie posters and incredible views across the city. A place for locals to gather, relax and soak it all in.

And for those heading to the screens, the concourses carry that same energy. Inspired by the venue’s technical prowess - this is no small cinema - we used pulsing overhead lighting and illuminated architectural gateways to create an immersive, almost futuristic transition from entrance to auditorium.

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movie magic meets Retro dining

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Then there’s the diner. The jewel of the ground floor, it plays on the joy of a seaside day out. Waltzer-style booths, beach ball pendants, and striped seating sit beneath a vibrant tiled wall, echoing a classic windbreaker. We designed custom artwork too - a fairytale sunset of Blackpool’s skyline framed in cinematic whimsy. The bar area leaned into cocktails and comfort, complete with a shipping-container-style counter that nodded to backstage film set life. Even the toilets got the treatment, each one styled as a colourful beach hut with its own personality.

One Big, Bold Experience

This wasn’t about creating a perfect replica of cinema’s past. It was about rewriting what a trip to the movies could feel like in 21st century Blackpool. Bold. Playful. Community-focused. A celebration of both the town and the medium. From the glitz and glamour to the fairground quirks, The Backlot invites guests to sit back, relax and get swept away.

Because this isn’t just cinema. This is Blackpool, reimagined.

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