UK's 'worst seaside town' waiting years to transform draws up £16m masterplan
Despite developing a multi-million pound masterplan showing how a rundown seaside town could be completely transformed, one UK council is still waiting for government investment
Ambitious plans to regenerate one of the UK's 'worst' seaside resorts hang in the air - as locals patiently wait for funding. Located in the Borough of Wyre in Lancashire, Fleetwood was recently named and shamed in Which? coastal town's league table - where it scored a meagre 51 per cent.
In the consumer brand's survey of 5,000 Brits, Fleetwood was given just one star for its tourist attractions and shopping options, while the town's food and drink scene, and its scenery, scored two stars. The town's biggest redeeming factor seemed to be its parking availability (four stars) and ability to offer holidaymakers some peace and quiet (three stars).
But, unlike other struggling coastal resorts like Great Yarmouth, Rhyl, Scarborough, and Bexhill-on-Sea, Fleetwood was not selected as part of the government's £1.5 billion plan to 'restore pride in Britain's neighbourhoods' - where 75 selected communities will be given up to £20 million of funding and support over the next decade. It would have been enough for Fleetwood to start the plan it's been itching to implement.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Councillor Peter Le Marinel, Planning Policy and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, revealed the council's vision for Fleetwood to become a 'dynamic and lively place to live, work and visit' has been in the works for years. He hailed the town's 'rich history' and 'striking coastline', drawing attention to 'remarkable' Heritage sites such as the Fleetwood Market and the art-deco Marine Hall theatre, which are in need of a major refurb.
"We are committed to enhancing the town's existing assets, attracting investment and funding to help Fleetwood achieve its full potential," Peter added. "We have appointed Arcadis, who also served as consultants for the original Masterplan, to develop business cases for four projects outlined in the Masterplan."
Arcadis' Fleetwood Waterfront Leisure Masterplan, which was submitted to the council in August 2024, reveals £16 million worth of transformation plans that start with the redevelopment of Marine Hall - an art deco theatre originally built in the 1930s.
Blueprints show how the space could be transformed with a more 'prominent glazed entrance and foyer' from Marine Gardens, along with upgraded toilets with a new entrance, and vast improvements to the waterfront restaurant, including floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Other proposed works include creating a new café bar and introducing a new store/support space.
Fleetwood Leisure Centre could also get a major facelift if the plans are granted funding, as Arcadis outlines potential changes including 'a high-quality refurbishment of the community swimming pool complex'. "In addition, the existing sports hall should be refurbished, again to a high quality and repurposed to provide a health and fitness offer capable of responding to the expressed demand for class-based fitness at a scale that will help address the borough-wide deficit of fitness stations," the masterplan reads. Other potential works include creating a soft play area for children.
Branding the existing external areas to the rear of Marine Hall gardens as 'uninviting', plans have also been drawn up to create a more 'visitor friendly public realm'. This may include new features such as cycle stands, sheltered public seating with sea views, and potentially a public art Sculpture or Beacon installation linking into the existing Fleetwood Accessible trail.
Lastly, Fleetwood aims to replace the beach huts to the northeastern development area and replace them with beach studios or stand-alone glamping pods. This would help the town tap into the 'staycation' market, and fills the gap in overnight accommodation in the area.
"By advancing these detailed plans, the council aims to be well-prepared to bid for any forthcoming Government-funded programmes," Councillor Peter Le Marinel added.
"Additionally, this preparation will position us to effectively market the Fleetwood seafront site at key events, attracting significant inward investment. Arcadis will be evaluating the costs and benefits of these projects, identifying potential partners for implementation, leasing and operation and will present their findings to the Cabinet later this year for a decision."
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