Progress update on major £3.1m St Annes town centre roadworks, cycle lane, and new events space
Latest phases intended to build on improvements completed last year in St Annes Square
A key update has been issued by Fylde Council as work continues on the second and third phases of the St Annes town centre improvement works.
Phases Two and Three follow the completion last year of Phase One - the £3.13m transformation of St Annes Square, which is now able to host events in the new-look space.
Phase Two of the Improvement Project - the transformation of the section of St Annes Road West between Clifton Drive and the pier into the Pier Link - is was announced as an 18-week project on it starting in late February.
While the council says work on both phases is “progressing well”, no completion date or indication as to whether the work is on target is mentioned in the latest monthly update on the projects by Fylde Council.
It says that a new kerb line has been installed for the planned planters at the Pier Link, while conservation kerbs have also been installed on the Lord Derby/Majestic side of the road.
The £1.6m Pier Link scheme is intended to reshape the route between the newly improved St Annes Square and the promenade, introducing one-way traffic travelling from Clifton Drive South towards the pier.
The changes will create wider pavements, new planting and additional seating, delivering a safer and more welcoming environment for pedestrians.
A dedicated contraflow cycle lane will allow cyclists to travel safely into the town centre, while raised crossing tables will calm traffic and maintain level access for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs.
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Carefully selected coastal planting, including geraniums and ornamental grasses, will provide year-round colour, complemented by raised planters with built-in drainage.
New stone benches with back and arm rests will also be installed.
Meanwhile, under Phase Three of the Improvement Project, Garden Street is being transformed into a pedestrian-friendly link between The Square and Ashton Gardens, protecting existing mature trees while adding new seasonal planting.
A flowing pedestrian route is intended to improve access to bus stops, while additional seating includes cube seats designed to accommodate wheelchairs between them.
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New lighting will also improve safety and visibility in the evenings on the street.
The latest council update says that investigation works have been completed to assess existing levels and materials, while preparation works are under way for the new footpath.
The footpath at the St Annes Square end has been widened, with the kerb line pushed back and a nearby crossing has been repaved with Kellen block paving.
Fylde Council says the second and third phases are intended to continue the look and feel of St Annes Square, creating a consistent flow through the town centre.
The £1.6m Pier Link project is funded by Fylde Council, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Lancashire County Council, while the £1.5m Garden Street project is funded by Fylde Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Both are being delivered by George Cox and Sons Ltd, the contactor based in Farnworth, near Bolton who successfully completed the Phase 1 St Annes Square improvements.
A Fylde Council spokesperson 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 town centre and seafront have to offer.”