The £57m mega-project to save lots of widespread UK seaside city’s well-known seashore | UK | News | EUROtoday

Blackpool’s well-known seven miles of golden sands might quickly have a rocky new addition, as a £57 million coastal defence mission seems to be to sort out an pressing environmental disaster threatening the city’s properties, companies, setting, and id. The Blackpool Beach Management scheme, now open for public session, proposes the development of 17 rock headlands alongside the central stretch of shoreline from simply south of South Pier to Cocker Square close to North Pier. The intention is to cease the seashores from vanishing and shield 1000’s of properties, companies and important infrastructure from the rising dangers of flooding and erosion.

Blackpool Council warned on its web site, “we are losing our beaches” and that “unless urgent action is taken, Blackpool’s iconic beaches could be lost forever.” Beach ranges alongside Blackpool’s coast have been steadily declining, and as sand disappears, the clay beneath turns into uncovered, thereby weakening the pure barrier that protects the coast from storms and rising tides.

In some locations, the foundations of historic constructions like that of the Central Pier at the moment are seen, highlighting the size of the issue.

The council additionally careworn the potential influence this might have on tourism, warning that dropping the seashores might harm the city’s attraction as 21.5 million guests got here to take pleasure in Blackpool’s seaside golden sands and energetic promenade up to now 12 months alone.

The proposed headlands will act like arms reaching out into the ocean, creating sheltered bays the place sand can settle and stay in place.

Each construction shall be round 100 metres lengthy and spaced about 150 metres aside to type a steady setting to entice the pure move of sand introduced in from offshore.

The design part has been led by infrastructure specialists Jacobs, with building anticipated to start in spring 2026 and end by spring 2029.

Councillor Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council cupboard member for local weather change, mentioned: “The Blackpool Beach Management scheme is vital for securing Blackpool’s future.

“Climate change is inflicting a shift in sand ranges inflicting the seashore line to decrease. If we don’t act now, Blackpool will lose its sandy seashores for good.

“I encourage all residents, visitors and business owners to come along to one of our drop-in sessions to view the plans, speak to members of the project team, and engage with the consultation.”

The council is urging residents, enterprise house owners and guests to share their ideas earlier than the planning software is submitted. The session runs till Friday October 31, and views will be submitted both on-line or by way of paper varieties accessible at Blackpool Central Library.

In-person drop-in periods are additionally being held together with a serious occasion on Friday September 19 on the Solaris Centre on New South Promenade from 10am to 4pm.