Council promises to pursue seafront revamp plans

A council has promised to pursue its "ambitious" plans to revitalise its seafront despite missing out on a share of £1.5bn of government funding.

The Fleetwood scheme would include redeveloping the Marine Hall to include a restaurant, offices and event spaces, to create a better connection between the waterfront and town centre, and refurbishing Fleetwood Leisure Centre.

Wyre Council said it was continuing to work with external specialists to develop a business case for other funding for the scheme.

Council leader Michael Vincent said: "We want Fleetwood to be an exciting and vibrant place to live, work and visit."

A £16m refurbishment of Fleetwood Leisure Centre is planned to upgrade the existing sports and pool facilities and rebrand as a health and wellness centre.

The promenade would be reconfigured and the Lancashire town's beach huts would be refurbished to provide standalone "glamping pods" to "tap into the staycation market".

"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," said Mr Vincent.

He added: "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."

Councillor Peter Le Marinel, planning policy and economic development portfolio holder, said Wyre Council remained committed to attracting investment to enhance the town's existing assets.

He said the council had appointed design and engineering consultants Aecadis to develop business cases for four projects outlined in its masterplan.

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