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A bold vision for seafront
A SEAFRONT revolution in Fleetwood could transform the port into a tourist magnet and help the regeneration of the town.
That is the hope behind the Fleetwood Seafront Masterplan unveiled today by Wyre Council.
The authority has set the 2m transformation of the Marine Hall as its top priority and is launching the masterplan as its bid for half of that cash from the Government.
But other changes are envisaged right across the seafront – some of them very radical.
Key proposals include:
* An outdoor performance space at the Marine Hall
* A wheels park for skateboarding
* A newly-built education zone on the Marine Gardens
* An iconic bird-watching centre at Rossall Point which includes a huge "wing" sculpture.
Garry Payne, director of planning and regeneration for Wyre, said: "Our vision is to create a sustainable and distinctive seafront with a mix of facilities that enhance our existing assets, primarily the open setting and the Marine Hall.
"Some innovative projects are on the drawing board and although these will not happen overnight, we have already identified a number of different funding options.
"The fact that we have divided the seafront into zones will also allow us deliver some of these projects in the shorter term, ensuring that the area's regeneration is on-going.
"As we have always pledged, there will also be full public consultation at every phase of redevelopment."
The Marine Hall is seen as a hub of activity once it has been given a major facelift.
Envisaged are a new entrance and cafe and cafe access from the seafront.
A complete, new glazed extension to be used as a gallery or for meetings and conferences would be built and the western colonades could be developed for conference use or retail use.
At the west of the seafront the existing picnic area would be enhanced and would incorporate the paddling pool.
While the model yacht lake would remain largely untouched, the adjacent Marine Lake is seen as having huge potential for watersports.
Rowing, windsurfing, canoeing and pedalos are all seen as potential additions.
Further east an area for outdoor sports, cashing in on the area's growing reputation for kiting and watersports
Part of the under-used pitch-and-putt courses would be transformed into a wheels park for youngsters.
The plans says: "This proposal is important in addressing the existing issue of young people meeting and remaining in the area with few facilities to occupy and enthuse them as well as bringing into Fleetwood new younger visitors, and perhaps their parents."
The Marine Hall's formal gardens would see a discover centre, possibly backed by an energy company and concentrating on issues such as climate change and sustainable development.
The leisure centre and swimming baths are seen as a vital attraction although the buildings are unattractive.
Hotel are leisure facilities are seen as possibilities for the former pier site and the re-opening of the Mount Pavilion is seen as important.
A re-design of the Euston Park could be a gateway to a Wyre Coastal Way which would include a unique bird-watching centre at Rossall Point.
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
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