In a significant step toward improving the accessibility, safety, and community support on St Annes’ amenity beach, Fylde Council has announced the development of a new Community Beach Hub. Situated within the currently vacant deck chair storage building near the main beach entrance, the facility will undergo a transformation to provide essential services and facilities for residents, visitors, and various council service providers.
The project, set to begin in November 2024 and complete by April 2025, aligns with Fylde Council’s commitment to enhance public amenities and inclusivity. Key improvements include a new accessible ramp, a Beach Wheelchair Store, and first aid and information points. Designed to make the beach more welcoming and accessible for people with limited mobility, parents with young children, and all beach goers, the new ramp will replace the existing cracked paving slabs and uneven concrete.
Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure, and Culture at Fylde Council, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “The Community Beach Hub is an important step forward in making our beautiful beach more accessible and safer for everyone. This new facility will not only provide support services such as first aid and beach wheelchairs, but it will also serve as a welcoming hub for volunteers, council staff, and partner organisations who work tirelessly to maintain and protect our beach.”
The project will see Lancashire-based Huck Construction Limited overseeing the construction, with the specialist concrete work managed by Mollington Contracts Limited. The £157,000 budget will be sourced through a combination of the Council’s Capital Programme for 2024/25, with contributions from the Promenade Footways budget.
Key features of the Community Beach Hub include:
- A new, accessible concrete ramp with handrails.
- Enhanced facilities, such as a dedicated Beach Wheelchair Store, first aid point, and information centre.
- Storage and meeting space for council operatives, partner organisations, and volunteer groups, such as litter-pickers.
- Improved aesthetics with a pastel-coloured exterior, aligning the hub with nearby beach huts to complement the coastal landscape.
Councillor Nixon added, “We’re thrilled to introduce a facility that not only serves our community but also maximises the use of council assets in a way that benefits residents and visitors alike. The Community Beach Hub will be a wonderful addition to St Annes’ beach, reinforcing Fylde’s reputation as a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming coastal destination.”
The Community Beach Hub, with its expanded services and improved accessibility, is a testament to Fylde Council’s dedication to enhancing the area’s public spaces for all users. The Council looks forward to the positive impact this project will bring to St Annes, creating a beach experience that everyone can enjoy safely and comfortably.
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