Major update on completion of £1.6m Pier Link scheme in St Annes town centre
Council says update to come on completion in late July or early August
A major project in the ongoing transformation of St Annes town centre could be at least a month behind schedule.
The £1.6 million Pier Link scheme was expected to take 18 weeks to complete when it began on February this year.
That set the likely completion date at June 29 but the work on the stretch of St Annes Road West between St Annes Square and the Promenade is still ongoing.
Fylde Council, which commissioned the work, said in its latest monthly update that the work is “progressing well” but gave no revised completion date.
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When asked by The Gazette for a likely date, a spokesperson for the council would only say: “There will be an update on the completion of Pier Link at the end of July/start of August.”
The fact the work is still ongoing means the barriers barring access to traffic from The Square will still be in place for this weekend’s St Annes Carnival, although the council has already said the event will be unaffected.
The Pier Link scheme is Phase Two of the council’s St Annes Improvement Scheme, with the £3.13m refurbishment of St Annes Square, unveiled last year, have been Phase One.
It 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.
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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.
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.
The 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.
The work is being carried out on behalf of the council by Bolton-based contractors George Cox and Sons, who were also responsible for the St Annes Square refurbishment.