Once Merlin takes over, construction work will start on a new Dungeon attraction which is due to open next September, with a "Horrible Histories" theme based on the Witches of Pendle and Cromwell.

Merlin is also transforming Louis Tussauds into brand leader Madame Tussauds with waxwork figures remodelled for new displays heavily influenced by TV and "everyday heroes."

For the first time ever, people will access the Tower for free, paying instead for individual attractions, with linked tickets to encourage people to linger longer. New ticketing arrangements could be in place by February.

"It will take time, but it will happen," added Mr Hawkins.

"Blackpool will move forward. No other place, other than London, in our UK operations, has such a high concentration of attractions. It makes me immensely proud. I'm just blown away by it all. Blackpool will be the template for tourism in this country."

Mr Hawkins, who has moved to the Fylde, takes over the reins at the Tower on November 8. A team from Merlin has been working with the council since the deal was announced in spring, and refurbishment work has already started, including repairs to the roof of the Tower Ballroom.

The Tower boss, who started his career on fish farms in Scotland and spent a spell in Blackpool washing windows and feeding fish at the Sea Life Centre, is full of praise for the council which secured the Tower and other attractions in a 40m Government-backed deal earlier this year.

"In all my experience of dealing with local authorities across Britain I've never come across a council as far sighted and visionary as Blackpool. I've worked with 14 resorts and cities and none of them come close to the level of commitment here.

"They have been brave and audacious and good landlords. In bringing in funding to buy the most iconic building in this town they have shown they will do what it takes to protect tourism.

"Merlin has operations across the world, and new attractions opening all the time, but Blackpool is very special to a lot of our senior managers. I started out here, on work placement.

"The whole marketing team is working on what is best for Blackpool nationally and internationally.

Tussauds will open next April, between others opening in Bangkok and Vienna, becoming the 11th member of the international clan.

The new top of the Tower observation experience with 4D cinema is due to open by Easter 2012, if not before. Plans included extending the Walk of Faith by making more of the suspended walkway see through.