Park to re-open after five year closure to upgrade Blackpool sewers

A Blackpool park which has been closed since 2015 to enable an £80m investment in the town's sewer system will re-open next month.
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The public will be allowed back into Anchorsholme Park for the first time on Monday April 6, with an official opening event due to be held on Saturday, June 6.

Around £4.5m has been spent by water company United Utilities improving the park with new facilities including a cafe, children's playground, a sports area and outdoor seating areas.

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It had been hoped to open the park last summer, but further work was required.

An aerial view of Anchorsholme ParkAn aerial view of Anchorsholme Park
An aerial view of Anchorsholme Park

Steve Wong, area stakeholder manager for United Utilities, said: "Getting to this stage has not been easy, involving a tremendous amount of hard work from our engineers and a tremendous amount of understanding and co-operation from the people living close to Anchorsholme Park.

“We have always said we want to leave a lasting legacy, not only what we deliver underground, but also above ground for people of all ages to use and enjoy.

“We hope when people see the revamped park, it will have been worth the wait. We are very proud of the fantastic asset we are handing back to the community and Blackpool Council, and we look forward to seeing the park go from strength to strength for many years to come.”

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Investment beneath the park includes a 3.7km outflow pipe into the Irish Sea and an underground water storage tank the size of an Olympic swimming pool aimed at improving bathing water quality.

Anchorsholme councillors Paul Galley and Tony Williams worked with United Utilities on the designs for the park.

Coun Williams said: "It hasn’t all been plain sailing with local residents having to suffer months of disruption, dirt and noise.

"However now that’s all behind us I sincerely hope our community will once again enjoy this fabulous park and all the sporting and entertainment events Paul and I have been working on.

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"We have been especially successful in negotiating for the enhanced sports features, new children’s play area and the design and offer of the cafe.

"One of the most important things we are particularly proud of is our negotiations to have hi-tech cctv fitted throughout the park."

Coun Galley added: "It seems to have been a long time coming and Tony and I have been involved with the design and features right from the start, so seeing all partners efforts come to fruition is a welcome and exciting relief."

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