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Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Seaside town voted one of the 'worst in the UK' set for major £16m upgrade
A bold new plan to transform a Lancashire town has been given the green light by Wyre Council, with hopes that a £16 million revamp will breathe new life into the seaside spot. Under the proposals, Fleetwood's waterfront will see upgrades to a historic theatre, modern leisure facilities, and improved links between the promenade and town centre. Just 25 minutes from Blackpool, Fleetwood has long attracted holidaymakers with its low prices - including hotel stays that average around £73 a night - and old-school seaside charm. But last year, it landed in ninth place on Which? Travel's roundup of the worst seaside towns in the UK, with a score of just 51 per cent. The low rating came down to limited tourist attractions and shopping options, something the council hopes this revamp will help change. The proposed plans include a major overhaul of the town's iconic Marine Hall and the local leisure centre, aiming to bring new life to the promenade and give both locals and visitors more to enjoy. There are hopes the Marine Hall - an art deco gem that's stood proud by the sea for nearly 90 years - will be turned into a flexible new space with a theatre, restaurant, offices, and room for events. Councillors also aspire to redesign the promenade itself to better link the seafront to the town centre, making it easier for visitors to explore everything Fleetwood has to offer. Even the colourful beach huts are being considered for a makeover - with hopes they'll be transformed into glamping pods, perfect for staycationers looking for a coastal getaway. There are also plans to give the nearby leisure centre a fresh look, with improved pool and sports facilities and a brand-new climbing wall. Once finished, it's anticipated it will be relaunched as a modern health and wellness hub, fitted with state-of-the-art equipment. Now with an estimated population of 26,840, Fleetwood first began recording settlers as early as the second century. Historians believe it may have once been a Roman port, with traces of an Iron Age settlement found nearby. It was officially named in the 1500s after Thomas Fleetwood, and later developed in the 1830s by his descendant Peter Hesketh, who turned it into the first planned town of the Victorian era. The town still proudly boasts three lighthouses - more than any other town in the UK - and its historic market, which opened in 1840, is still going strong. Though its pier was lost to a fire in 2008, attractions like the Model Yacht Pond and golf course keep visitors coming back. As reported by the Sun, local councillor Michael Vincent said of the proposed plans: 'We want Fleetwood to be an exciting and vibrant place to live, work, and visit. 'The town has a fascinating history, a dramatic coastline, and stunning heritage assets such as the art-deco Marine Hall theatre, which has stood proud for almost 90 years. 'We are committed to building upon that and attracting investment and funding in the future to support the town to reach its full potential.' It comes as a new study has revealed the UK's most walkable city and it's good news for Brits who like a day out at the seaside.
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Seaside town among UK's cheapest to visit sees £16m upgrade to promenade – including leisure centre and town hall update
The area may be one of the UK's oldest settlements WATERFRONT RENEWAL Seaside town among UK's cheapest to visit sees £16m upgrade to promenade – including leisure centre and town hall update Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR seaside town is set for a major revamp of its beloved waterfront. Fleetwood's promenade will see updates to the local leisure centre as well as the town's beloved Marine Hall. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Fleetwood is set to undergo a major redevelopment project, which includes refurbishment of the waterfront Credit: Alamy Located just a 25 minute drive from Blackpool, Fleetwood also offers visitors a fun-filled time during a trip to the coast. It was named among the UK's cheapest seaside towns, drawing in tourists from across the country with affordable prices. As of 2025, the town is reported to have an estimated population of 26,840, having first recorded settlers as early as the second century. Historians have uncovered evidence that suggest the area may have been the site of a Roman port, with ruins of an Iron Age settlement nearby proving the history of the area dates back even further. The area was officially named Fleetwood after Thomas Fleetwood, comptroller of the Royal Mint, purchased an estate in the area in the 1530s. By the 1830s, Fleetwood's descendant Peter Hesketh was in control of the property and began plans to turn the land into the first planned town of the Victorian era. He established three lighthouses in the area, making Fleetwood the only UK town to this day to have more than two. While Fleetwood Market, which still operates to this day, was established in 1840, it wasn't until almost a century later that the town's historic Marine Hall was constructed. By then an established fishing village, the town introduced other tourist attractions, including a golf course and Model Yacht Pond. The town's waterfront has changed significantly over the decades, with the UK's last pleasure pier, constructed in 1910 burning down in 2008. The 100-year-old theme park by the beach with one of the world's oldest rollercoasters Now, the town is set to undergo a significant regeneration project, with £16 million invested in the works. Part of this funding is set to go towards the redevelopment of Marine Hall, creating a more flexible, mixed-use space. This will include a restaurant, offices, and event spaces alongside the popular Marine Hall theatre. The development will also see work done on the Fleetwood Leisure Centre, including upgrades to the existing sports and pool facilities and new a climbing wall. Once finished, the complex will be re-positioned as a health and wellness centre, offering state of the art facilities. 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound "vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind". More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News. The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' The promenade will also be reconfigured to better connect the waterfront facilities with the town centre. Fleetwood's beach huts will also be enhanced and developed to provide standalone "glamping" pods to tap into the staycation market. 'We want Fleetwood to be an exciting and vibrant place to live, work, and visit," said local councillor Michael Vincent. "The town has a fascinating history, a dramatic coastline, and stunning heritage assets such as the art-deco Marine Hall theatre, which has stood proud for almost 90 years. "We are committed to building upon that and attracting investment and funding in the future to support the town to reach its full potential. 'The regeneration plans are a real blueprint for success. "They have the potential to deliver a wide range of new and exciting activities to complement existing visitor attractions such as Fleetwood Market and the Museum and promise a real boost to the local economy.' 3 The town's historic Marine Hall is set to be refurbished as part of the town's development plan Credit: And if you're visiting in the mean time, Fleetwood is the perfect destination for a sunny day. The town's seafront stretches from Rossall Beach in Cleveleys to the Wyre Estuary, and includes Marine Beach and Ferry Beach. Rossall Beach is known for sandy dunes and grasslands, while Marine Beach is a busier area with traditional seaside attractions. Ferry Beach offers views across Morecambe Bay or you can head to the Rossall Point Tower for panoramic views. Visitors can choose from a variety of local hotels, starting from just £70 per night. You can learn more about the area's long-spanning history at the Fleetwood Museum, with an admission charge of just £4. And Fleetwood's iconic market is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the year. And for little ones, the town's iconic waterfront and Marine Gardens has splash zones to cool down on hot days as well as areas for al fresco dining. A ferry to nearby Knott End is available for just £2.50 per person, and only takes 10 minutes each way.
The Irish Sun
04-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Seaside town among UK's cheapest to visit sees £16m upgrade to promenade – including leisure centre and town hall update
A POPULAR seaside town is set for a major revamp of its beloved waterfront. Fleetwood's promenade will see updates to the local leisure centre as well as the town's beloved Marine Hall. 3 Fleetwood is set to undergo a major redevelopment project, which includes refurbishment of the waterfront Credit: Alamy Located just a 25 minute drive from Blackpool, Fleetwood also offers visitors a fun-filled time during a trip to the coast. It was named among the As of 2025, the town is reported to have an estimated population of 26,840, having first recorded settlers as early as the second century. Historians have uncovered evidence that suggest the area may have been the site of a Roman port, with ruins of an Iron Age settlement nearby proving the history of the area dates back even further. Read More On Seaside Towns The area was officially named Fleetwood after Thomas Fleetwood, comptroller of the Royal Mint, purchased an estate in the area in the 1530s. By the 1830s, Fleetwood's descendant Peter Hesketh was in control of the property and began plans to turn the land into the first planned town of the Victorian era. He established three lighthouses in the area, making Fleetwood the only UK town to this day to have more than two. While Fleetwood Market, which still operates to this day, was established in 1840, it wasn't until almost a century later that the town's historic Marine Hall was constructed. Most read in News Travel By then an established fishing village, the town introduced other tourist attractions, including a golf course and Model Yacht Pond. The town's waterfront has changed significantly over the decades, with the UK's last pleasure pier, constructed in 1910 burning down in 2008. The 100-year-old theme park by the beach with one of the world's oldest rollercoasters Now, the town is set to undergo a significant Part of this funding is set to go towards the redevelopment of Marine Hall, creating a more flexible, mixed-use space. This will include a restaurant, offices, and event spaces alongside the popular Marine Hall theatre. The development will also see work done on the Fleetwood Leisure Centre, including upgrades to the existing sports and pool facilities and new a climbing wall. Once finished, the complex will be re-positioned as a health and wellness centre, offering state of the art facilities. 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' The promenade will also be reconfigured to better connect the waterfront facilities with the town centre. Fleetwood's beach huts will also be enhanced and developed to provide standalone "glamping" pods to tap into the staycation market. 'We want Fleetwood to be an exciting and vibrant place to live, work, and visit," said local councillor Michael Vincent. "The town has a fascinating history, a dramatic coastline, and stunning heritage assets such as the art-deco Marine Hall theatre, which has stood proud for almost 90 years. "We are committed to building upon that and attracting investment and funding in the future to support the town to reach its full potential. 'The regeneration plans are a real blueprint for success. "They have the potential to deliver a wide range of new and exciting activities to complement existing visitor attractions such as Fleetwood Market and the Museum and promise a real boost to the local economy.' 3 The town's historic Marine Hall is set to be refurbished as part of the town's development plan Credit: And if you're visiting in the mean time, Fleetwood is the perfect destination for a sunny day. The town's seafront stretches from Rossall Beach in Cleveleys to the Wyre Estuary, and includes Marine Beach and Ferry Beach. Rossall Beach is known for sandy dunes and grasslands, while Marine Beach is a busier area with traditional seaside attractions. Ferry Beach offers views across Morecambe Bay or you can head to the Rossall Point Tower for panoramic views. Visitors can choose from a You can learn more about the area's long-spanning history at the And And for little ones, the town's iconic waterfront and Marine Gardens has splash zones to cool down on hot days as well as areas for al fresco dining. A 3 Fleetwood's waterfront, including the local leisure centre and theatre, are being upgraded as part of the work Credit:
The Sun
04-05-2025
- The Sun
Seaside town among UK's cheapest to visit sees £16m upgrade to promenade – including leisure centre and town hall update
A POPULAR seaside town is set for a major revamp of its beloved waterfront. Fleetwood's promenade will see updates to the local leisure centre as well as the town's beloved Marine Hall. 3 Located just a 25 minute drive from Blackpool, Fleetwood also offers visitors a fun-filled time during a trip to the coast. It was named among the UK's cheapest seaside towns, drawing in tourists from across the country with affordable prices. As of 2025, the town is reported to have an estimated population of 26,840, having first recorded settlers as early as the second century. Historians have uncovered evidence that suggest the area may have been the site of a Roman port, with ruins of an Iron Age settlement nearby proving the history of the area dates back even further. The area was officially named Fleetwood after Thomas Fleetwood, comptroller of the Royal Mint, purchased an estate in the area in the 1530s. By the 1830s, Fleetwood's descendant Peter Hesketh was in control of the property and began plans to turn the land into the first planned town of the Victorian era. He established three lighthouses in the area, making Fleetwood the only UK town to this day to have more than two. While Fleetwood Market, which still operates to this day, was established in 1840, it wasn't until almost a century later that the town's historic Marine Hall was constructed. By then an established fishing village, the town introduced other tourist attractions, including a golf course and Model Yacht Pond. The town's waterfront has changed significantly over the decades, with the UK's last pleasure pier, constructed in 1910 burning down in 2008. The 100-year-old theme park by the beach with one of the world's oldest rollercoasters Now, the town is set to undergo a significant regeneration project, with £16 million invested in the works. Part of this funding is set to go towards the redevelopment of Marine Hall, creating a more flexible, mixed-use space. This will include a restaurant, offices, and event spaces alongside the popular Marine Hall theatre. The development will also see work done on the Fleetwood Leisure Centre, including upgrades to the existing sports and pool facilities and new a climbing wall. Once finished, the complex will be re-positioned as a health and wellness centre, offering state of the art facilities. 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound"vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind". More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News. The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' The promenade will also be reconfigured to better connect the waterfront facilities with the town centre. Fleetwood's beach huts will also be enhanced and developed to provide standalone "glamping" pods to tap into the staycation market. 'We want Fleetwood to be an exciting and vibrant place to live, work, and visit," said local councillor Michael Vincent. "The town has a fascinating history, a dramatic coastline, and stunning heritage assets such as the art-deco Marine Hall theatre, which has stood proud for almost 90 years. "We are committed to building upon that and attracting investment and funding in the future to support the town to reach its full potential. 'The regeneration plans are a real blueprint for success. "They have the potential to deliver a wide range of new and exciting activities to complement existing visitor attractions such as Fleetwood Market and the Museum and promise a real boost to the local economy.' 3 And if you're visiting in the mean time, Fleetwood is the perfect destination for a sunny day. The town's seafront stretches from Rossall Beach in Cleveleys to the Wyre Estuary, and includes Marine Beach and Ferry Beach. Rossall Beach is known for sandy dunes and grasslands, while Marine Beach is a busier area with traditional seaside attractions. Ferry Beach offers views across Morecambe Bay or you can head to the Rossall Point Tower for panoramic views. Visitors can choose from a variety of local hotels, starting from just £70 per night. You can learn more about the area's long-spanning history at the Fleetwood Museum, with an admission charge of just £4. And Fleetwood's iconic market is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the year. And for little ones, the town's iconic waterfront and Marine Gardens has splash zones to cool down on hot days as well as areas for al fresco dining. A ferry to nearby Knott End is available for just £2.50 per person, and only takes 10 minutes each way. 3
