Blackpool welcomes £3.5m seafront hotel

The Royal Carlton hotel in Blackpool has been transformed into luxury boutique hotel the Glass Tower following a £3.5m investment.

The project was overseen by Blackpool-born entrepreneurs John and Elishar Westhead, founders of Central Beach Leisure, which has spent more than £15m on hotel and serviced accommodation schemes in Blackpool and the Fylde coast to date.

The pair acquired the property in March 2025 with the support of their business partners, and subsequently appointed Joseph Boniface Architects, Thompson Contractors and Investworth Homes to deliver the upgraded hotel, bar and restaurant.

Both the Glass Tower, which consists of 38 bedrooms, and new restaurant and bar XI (Eleven) have opened for bookings.

John said: “No expense has been spared on the creation of the Glass Tower, a spectacular offering to rival anything that Manchester, Liverpool and London have to offer and bringing something truly inspirational to Blackpool. 

“Although Central Beach Leisure is a winning mixture of local and international expertise, I’m born and bred in Blackpool so take immense pride in being able to offer these properties in the resort and be part of the ever-changing face of Blackpool.”

The development forms part of the Blackpool Central Leisure Development arm of the Lancashire Growth Plan, which is backed by the Lancashire Combined County Authority and the Lancashire Business Board.