"It's going to be a destination:" Reopening day for Blackpool's Anchorsholme Park after United Utilities investment

United Utilities spent five years building an underwater storage tank and a new storm water pumping station on the site.

When it rains heavily, the underwater tank will hold five Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of storm water, preventing it from entering local bathing waters untreated.

John Blackledge, director of community and environmental services at Blackpool Council, praised the efforts of United Utilities and thanked them for investing in Anchorsholme.

"It's incredible work that's taken place here. Not only that, but a massive commitment from United Utilities to invest in this park," he said.

"What we've got now is a special park. It's not only going to be amazing for local people, but beyond. It's going to be a destination, there's no doubt about it."

The new play area installed on the park is inclusive of children with disabilities and special needs, and caters to different age groups.

Climbing equipment and zip wires, designed by teens who help out with neighbouring East Pines Park, is set further away from younger children.

Tennis courts, an outdoor football area and netball and basketball courts have been built, to encourage youngsters to spend time outdoors being active.

An outdoor amphitheatre is also featured just after the park's entrance, set to host performances and music events in the future when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

The new cafe, Brew @ Anchorsholme, is currently operating a take-out service of hot drinks, food and ice creams, with seating arrangements outside to allow social distancing.

For a short video tour of the park and its facilities, you can visit our reporter's page here.

Anchorsholme councillor Paul Galley, secretary of the Friends of Anchorsholme Park group, explained how he hoped the park would pave the way for future generations.

"The space in this park is so inclusive of everybody, and I'm really excited to see what the future will bring," he said.

"I'm delighted to see people enjoying it, so much work has gone into it. The park will be largely self-financed, so every penny spent in the cafe will go back into the park.

"We want to connect this park to everyone on the Fylde coast, we can use our close links with the tram network to join everyne together.

"No matter where you live, you can still feel as though it's your park."

The Friends group is working in conjunction with local sports services, to provide children with the opportunity to train and play in team tournaments.

Boxing, tennis, cricket, basketball, football and more will be available when new guidance on contact sports is released during the coronavirus pandemic.

To volunteer at the park, from sports coaching or litter picking to activities for dogs, contact Paul Galley at [email protected]