Blackpool receive green light to make Bloomfield Road upgrade this summer as key update emerges

Blackpool have been given approval to carry out a key upgrade at Bloomfield Road, with a new floodlighting system set to be installed during the summer.

The League One club submitted plans to Blackpool Council to replace the current lighting setup at the East Stand, and those proposals have now been formally approved.

Work is expected to begin once the current season concludes, allowing the club to modernise part of the stadium infrastructure ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The project forms part of ongoing efforts to improve facilities while addressing concerns around lighting impact in the surrounding area.

New floodlighting system aims to reduce impact and improve design

The approved plans will see six existing tall floodlight pylons replaced with 24 lower-level lights positioned along the East Stand roofline.

According to the planning submission, the new lights will sit just one metre above the stand, significantly reducing their height and overall visual impact compared to the current structure.

A statement from planning agents explained: “The proposal sees the replacement of six floodlights with 24 floodlights erected at a significantly lower height of 1,000mm above the roof of the East Stand, reducing existing light spill.”

The change is designed not only to modernise the stadium’s lighting system but also to minimise disruption to nearby properties by limiting excess light spread beyond the ground.

Planners back project as work set for summer start

In assessing the application, planning officers concluded that the new system would represent an improvement on the existing setup.

They stated: “The replacement lights would not be out of keeping in their appearance… their scale and their number would be proportionate.”

Officials also noted that the reduced height and less bulky design would ensure there is “no harm to the street scene,” particularly given the limited visibility of the current floodlights from surrounding areas.

With approval now secured, the club is expected to proceed with installation during the off-season, ensuring minimal disruption to fixtures while delivering a more efficient and modern lighting solution.

FGG Says

This might not be the most glamorous upgrade, but it is a smart one. Floodlighting is a crucial part of stadium infrastructure, and reducing light spill while improving efficiency shows Blackpool are thinking about both performance and community impact.

It is another example of how smaller, targeted upgrades can quietly modernise a stadium without the need for major redevelopment, and fans may notice the difference more than they expect.