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A cherished UK museum dedicated to preserving dozens of historic trams has closed its doors for good after its building was declared unsafe. Blackpool's Tramtown Museum has shut permanently after an independent structural survey found the main Rigby Road building to be unsafe and facing demolition.

The closure brings an end to the popular visitor attraction, which has operated as a dedicated museum since 2021. Although the Rigby Road Depot itself dates back to the 1920s, Tramtown was officially established four years ago following the expansion of heritage tours that began in 2014. In 2023, a fundraising campaign was launched to help transform the site into a permanent world-class museum.

Before its closure, Tramtown housed around 40 to 50 heritage trams and operated as a working museum, allowing visitors to see engineering and restoration work up close.

However, Blackpool Council says the building cannot remain safely open.

Council leader Cllr Lynn Williams said: "While the work was ongoing fixing the electrics at Tramtown, an independent structural engineer carried out a survey of the building. That independent report has come back saying that the building is unsafe.

"The only public entrance is unsafe and we can't gamble with the safety of volunteers and visitors by opening an unsafe building. Equally, bad weather last month ripped even more panels off the roof which has led to it leaking again.

"We have looked to quickly and safely remove everything out of the building and find a place to store and preserve it. Unfortunately for the building itself there is no safe or affordable alternative but demolition."

Many of Blackpool's heritage trams are housed in a separate building opposite the museum, meaning the tram fleet itself is not at immediate risk.

Cllr Williams added: "We appreciate this closure will be difficult for the Tramtown volunteers, and for people who care about our heritage and our trams just as I do.

"Myself and the new managing director of Blackpool Transport are on the same page that we want Tramtown to open for the summer and are looking at every possible solution to find a pop-up site for it to reopen as soon as possible."

Council leaders are now working on a joint funding bid and steering group aimed at securing a long-term future for the heritage attraction.

The council confirmed that all funds raised by Tramtown are held in a separate account.

Blackpool Transport's new Managing Director, Lea Harrison, said preserving the town's tram heritage remains a priority.

He said: "Blackpool is as famous for its historic trams as it is for its tower and the Pleasure Beach and we are fully committed to preserving the town's rich tramway heritage for future generations to enjoy."

Before closing, visitors to Tramtown could explore the fitting shop and paint shop, view famous Balloon double-deckers, open-topped Boat trams and Illuminated trams, and speak directly with volunteers restoring the century-old vehicles.

An exhibition hall introduced in 2025 displayed artefacts, photographs and the history of the world's first electric tramway system.

While the museum building will be demolished, Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours along the promenade are expected to continue operating, with efforts underway to find a new home for the collection.