Phase 2 of the St Annes Masterplan will commence on Monday 23 February with the Pier Link project, which will transform the route between the newly improved St Annes Square and the promenade. Traffic will become one-way, travelling from Clifton Drive South towards the pier, creating a safer environment for pedestrians and additional space for wider pavements, planting and seating.

A dedicated cycle lane will run in contraflow to the traffic, enabling cyclists to travel safely to the town centre. Carefully selected coastal planting including geraniums and ornamental grasses will add year-round colour, while raised planters use built-in drainage to naturally irrigate the plants. New stone benches with back and arm rests will provide spots to pause, and raised crossing tables will calm traffic while keeping pavements level for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs.

On Tuesday 24 February, work starts on the Garden Street project, creating a vibrant pedestrian-friendly link to the beautiful Ashton Gardens. The design carefully protects existing mature trees whilst adding new seasonal planting in both sunny and shaded areas. A flowing pedestrian route will improve access to bus stops, while additional seating including cube seats designed to accommodate wheelchairs between them will make the street a welcoming place to rest and socialise. New lighting will also improve safety and visibility in the evenings.

Both projects continue the high-quality look and feel of St Annes Square, creating a consistent flow through the town centre that celebrates St Annes’ heritage as a premier coastal destination.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “These projects build brilliantly on the success of St Annes Square, creating accessible, attractive connections that will help our businesses thrive while making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy everything our beautiful town centre and stunning seafront have to offer.”

The £1.6 million Pier Link project is funded by Fylde Council, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Lancashire County Council. Meanwhile, the £1.5 million Garden Street project is funded by Fylde Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Both are being delivered by George Cox & Sons Ltd, who successfully completed the Phase 1 St Annes Square improvements.

During the Pier Link works, St Annes Road West between Clifton Drive and the Promenade will be fully closed from Monday 23 February. Some traffic management will be in place, with clear signposting for all diversions. Access to the Town Hall will be maintained for vehicles and pedestrians.

Residents can stay updated by visiting our dedicated webpage, which also features the latest newsletter edition. Alternatively, follow the St Annes Improvements channel on WhatsApp. Further engagement sessions will be held in the town centre on Saturday 18 April and Thursday 14 May.

Following successful engagement sessions in October, additional drop-in sessions will take place in St Annes town centre on the following dates:

• Thursday 5 February, 10am-12pm
• Saturday 21 February, 10am-12pm
• Saturday 18 April, 10am-12pm
• Thursday 14 May, 10am-12pm

The sessions will showcase refined plans for the eagerly awaited Pier Link and Garden Street improvement schemes – ambitious projects worth £2.9 million that will create vibrant connections between our beautiful seafront, bustling town centre and tranquil Ashton Gardens. With works commencing in late February 2026, this represents the community’s last chance to share ideas, ask questions and discover how these improvements will breathe fresh life into the heart of St Annes.

The £1.4 million Pier Link project, funded by Lancashire County Council, the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and Fylde Council, directly addresses the challenge local businesses have long identified – creating an inviting route that naturally draws visitors between the promenade and town centre shops. Meanwhile, the £1.5 million Garden Street scheme will transform this key route into a welcoming gateway, completing the vision that began with the successful Square refurbishment.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “This investment is about creating the conditions for businesses to thrive. By improving the routes that link our shops, seafront and public spaces, we’re making St Annes easier to navigate and more attractive to visitors. As we move into the construction phase, we’re inviting businesses and residents to view the final proposals and understand how these changes will boost footfall and strengthen the town centre economy.”

Find out more at our dedicated project hub or email your questions to regenprojects@fylde.gov.uk.

The Council has committed £1.6 million to the Pier Link project, which will create an enhanced, accessible route between St Annes Square and the seafront. Following public engagement sessions in October, feedback from local residents has been incorporated into the designs. Steel planters have been replaced with attractive low-curb planting beds, while benches have been moved to maintain privacy for residents. Supported by additional funding from Lancashire County Council, this scheme builds on the successful transformation of St Annes Square and marks the next phase of the town’s regeneration masterplan.

A further £1.5 million has been approved for the Garden Street project, which will transform the street into a vibrant pedestrian-friendly link between St Annes Square and the beautiful Ashton Gardens. Both schemes will feature high-quality paving, enhanced landscaping and improved street furniture to create welcoming spaces for families, shoppers and visitors to enjoy.

To ensure seamless integration with The Sanctuary’s construction programme, the public realm works will be delivered in phases, minimising disruption whilst maximising long-term impact.

Subject to approval, the projects will be delivered by George Cox & Sons Ltd, the experienced contractor behind the St Annes Square improvements.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “These fantastic schemes will build on the improvements we’ve already delivered in St Annes Square and create beautiful, accessible connections throughout the town centre. By phasing the works to complement the exciting development at The Sanctuary, we’re ensuring that every element of regeneration works in harmony. This is about creating a town centre that’s not only functional and attractive but truly future-ready.”

Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with full details to be announced in due course.

For more information on the Pier Link and Garden Street improvements, including how residents and businesses can stay informed throughout the projects, visit the dedicated project page.

Public engagement sessions are set to take place at St Annes Town Hall on Wednesday 15 October and Thursday 16 October from 3-6pm.

The drop-in sessions will showcase detailed plans for the much-anticipated Pier Link and Garden Street improvement schemes – ambitious projects that promise to create seamless connections between the seafront, town centre and Ashton Gardens. With works set to commence in early 2026, this is the perfect opportunity for the community to ask questions, share ideas, and discover how these improvements will breathe new life into St Annes.

The Garden Street scheme will transform the area into a vibrant gateway connecting Ashton Gardens with the newly refurbished Square. Meanwhile, the Pier Link project tackles a long-standing challenge identified by local businesses – creating an inviting route that naturally draws visitors between our beautiful seafront and bustling town centre shops and cafes. These strategic improvements have been thoughtfully designed to boost footfall, support local businesses and create spaces where residents and visitors want to spend their time.

Leader of Fylde Council, Councillor Karen Buckley, said: “These sessions are about listening to our community and ensuring that our projects deliver what St Annes really needs. We want residents to see the detailed plans, understand the timelines and feel confident that their town centre is getting the investment and attention it deserves.”

Find out more about the projects here or email your questions to regenprojects@fylde.gov.uk.