We’ve refreshed the policy for Blue Plaques in Blackpool as shown below.
BLACKPOOL CIVIC TRUST BLUE PLAQUE POLICY
10th January 2026
The principal criteria to be satisfied for a subject to be commemorated by a plaque:
- The event, person or building commemorated must be of very special importance in the history, heritage or shaping of Blackpool.
a. Because blue plaques commemorate history and heritage, a sufficient period of time must have elapsed for the subject commemorated to be truly regarded as part of history. A period of at least 10 years should normally have elapsed.
b. People commemorated must have had a highly significant impact on the life or development of Blackpool, or their achievements or activities must have been of national significance. Such people should have lived or worked in Blackpool for a period sufficient for the town to have had a significant influence in forming their character or shaping their activities.
c. To qualify for a historic blue plaque a person must be dead. At least ten years should normally have passed since their death, so that sufficient time has elapsed for an objective evaluation to be made of their local or national significance. Rare exceptions may be made.
2 A prominent and physically suitable structure (normally a building or wall) on which the plaque can be erected should exist. There needs to be a strong association between the structure and the subject of the plaque.
a. The owner of the structure needs to be amenable to the erection of the plaque.
b. It is the very nature of a blue plaque that there is a strong association between the physical structure on which the plaque is erected and the subject of the plaque. Departing from this principle would dilute the essence of the blue plaques scheme.
c. A major element of the scheme is celebrating the town’s built heritage. There is therefore a very strong presumption against erecting a plaque commemorating the sites of buildings now demolished.
d. An exception to 2(b) above may be made for pre-20th century buildings. In some cases the function and location of the buildings may give a very valuable insight into the early development of Blackpool.
e. An exception to 2(c) may be considered if the site makes a strong and important contribution to public understanding of a place.
3 There must be a sponsor or group of sponsors prepared to meet the cost of the plaque. Currently (2025) the cost of a plaque is approximately £600. This covers the cost of manufacture only and there may be further costs for the erection of the plaque and future maintenance.
Proposals for new blue plaques. If you have a suggestion for a new blue plaque which you think would meet these criteria, especially if you have an idea about a possible sponsor, please contact Blackpool Civic Trust providing as much background information as possible.
All suggestions and applications are considered by the Executive Committee of Blackpool Civic Trust.
The policy can be downloaded in pdf form by clicking on this link