£27 million flood scheme opens in Blackpool

A £27.1 million scheme to reduce flood risk to 4,800 properties in Blackpool is being officially opened by Blackpool Council Cabinet member for environmental services, Fred Jackson, with the chair of the Environment Agency, Emma Howard Boyd.

The new defence at Anchorsholme safeguards Blackpool’s seafront tramway, vital infrastructure and a major pumping station.

A kilometre of concrete sea wall has been replaced, maintaining access to the beach, and a new promenade built. The new defences will help protect Blackpool’s tourism and recreational income for the next 100 years.

The scheme forms part of the Fylde Peninsula Coastal Programme, a partnership between Wyre, Blackpool and Flyde councils and the Environment Agency to reduce flood risk to people and develop historic and natural environments.

Anchorsholme together with the Rossall project, which is due to complete next year, forms one of the largest coast defence projects in the country.

The Blackpool Council scheme has been funded by the Environment Agency through government grant aid and delivered by contractors Balfour Beatty.

Fred Jackson, Blackpool Council Cabinet member for environmental services, said: “I am delighted that this vital sea defence scheme has been officially opened. We now have a sea wall that will provide much stronger flood protection for years to come.

“We also have a wonderful new promenade for all to enjoy which makes access from the seafront to the park and town so much easier.

“The project has been both an incredible challenge and an incredible achievement for all the organisations involved.

“I am also extremely grateful to the neighbours and the local community for being so patient during the construction work. However, I trust that they are delighted with the final result and the additional regeneration work that is being undertaken.”

Thérèse Coffey, Floods Minister, said: “Anchorsholme’s new sea wall was made possible thanks not only to £20 million of government funding, but also the huge support of local government and other partners.

“The result is brilliant news for the community – regenerating the area and providing better protection for almost 5,000 homes and Blackpool’s iconic tram network ahead of winter.”

Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the Environment Agency, said: “Blackpool’s iconic beachfront is visited by thousands of families each year. This new coastal defence, delivered in partnership with local councils, will better protect the town’s popular tourist attractions as well as nearly 5,000 homes and businesses. It’s great news and demonstrates how our work benefits people and the environment."