Blackpool’s multi-million plan to protect the coast

Work is progressing on Blackpool’s multi-million pound Coastal Protection Plan.

Three schemes are under development to protect 12,000 properties from the risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency has allocated £62 million to replace and upgrade coastal defences in Bispham in the north of the town.

The scheme will see two sections of the sea defences refurbished - 1.5km from Princes Way at Little Bispham to Red Bank Road, Bispham and 1.3 km from Gynn Square to Cocker Square. Both schemes will see improvements to access steps and slipways, replacement of the crest wall and beach management measures.

This scheme will reduce the risk of erosion to 3,631 households, 380 non-residential properties and also protect strategically important infrastructure that is vital to Blackpool as a resort and community, including the tramway. 

Further up the coast, £57 million has been allocated to a beach management scheme between Cocker Square and South Pier. This will address beach levels, which are falling quicker than anticipated across 3km of seawall, ensuring that the life of the sea defences is prolonged.

The final scheme is in Anchorsholme. Work on the Anchorsholme Coast Protection scheme involves the contractor addressing, at their expense, defects in the sea wall by providing rock armour along the revetment.

In addition to this, the seawall needs protecting by addressing beach sand levels as identified in the other two projects. As a result, a study and outline business case is being prepared to apply to the Environment Agency for funding of £10 million to ensure beach/sand are retained in order to protect the integrity of the sea defences.

Together, these three projects will reduce the risk of coastal flooding for over 12,000 households.

Cllr Jane Hugo, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “In the past 30 years Blackpool Council has successfully delivered over £150 Million of coastal infrastructure. These three schemes will further protect homes and businesses as well as vital infrastructure.

“In addition to traditional sea defences planned for Bispham, there will also be a number of schemes designed to enable beach management.

“Many coastal communities are experiencing the devastating effects of coastal erosion and it is critical that we act now to protect our coast.

“The project will also bring benefits to the local community in terms of job/ apprenticeship opportunities – another positive outcome.”  

Ground investigation works have already begun along the coastline in preparation of detailed designs being developed before the end of the year. Throughout the process, local residents and businesses will be kept updated with various opportunities to have their say.