St Annes town centre car park back in use as major refurb work nears its end

A town centre car park is back in use for the first time in almost seven months as a regeneration project nears completion.
The car park back in use at Wood Street, St AnnesThe car park back in use at Wood Street, St Annes
The car park back in use at Wood Street, St Annes

The Wood Street car park in St Annes was shut from late February as work started on a smart new look for Wood Street’s north side between Park Road and St Andrew’s Road South.

Along with repaving of the footways surrounding the car park, the project has included the removal of existing trees, with new trees to be planted and the introduction of several landscaped areas.

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But the start of lockdown in March and a number of other factors meant the car park was unavailable for much longer than the originally forecast project span of 12 weeks.

Paul Drinnan, Fylde Council’s regeneration manager, wrote to traders in the area last month explaining the situation.

His letter said: “Unfortunately, the principal contractor has experienced some difficulties during the construction phase of the scheme, which have resulted in delays.

“The principal issues have been related to the Covid-19 crisis and the associated restrictions in working practices, but there have been several other issues, including; the recent inclement weather has had a significant adverse impact on the programme of works and the location of the existing tree roots and their proximity to existing services has resulted in extensive hand excavation, which has caused further delays.”

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Mr Drinnan’s letter also highlighted that during the excavation works, the principal contractor had uncovered several services that were not shown on the services drawings, which resulted in further hand excavation and further delays.

Mr Drinnan had said ahead of the project starting: “The overall aim is to enhance the attractiveness along this part of Wood Street, offering a better setting for the important businesses located along its length.”

Colin Ballard, chairman of the St Annes Enterprise Partnership, said: “It’s good to see the car park back in use. The traders in that part of town who have worked so hard through lockdown will be delighted to see it available to customers again.”

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