Plans for regeneration project in St Annes

Fylde Council has unveiled plans for two significant regeneration projects aimed at enhancing accessibility, connectivity, and the visitor experience in St Annes.

The improvements, which form part of the wider St Annes Masterplan, include a transformation of Garden Street with a £1.5m investment and an additional scheme to enhance Orchard Road in partnership with St Annes Town Council.

The Garden Street project will create a vibrant pedestrian link between Ashton Gardens and St Annes Square, improving footfall and accessibility.

The investment will support public realm improvements, better connectivity between key locations, and flexible spaces for community events.

Fylde Council will work closely with local businesses and stakeholders, with a public engagement exercise set to take place to ensure the project delivers maximum benefit to the town.

Councillor Karen Buckley, leader of Fylde Council, said: “This investment reinforces our commitment to revitalising St Annes town centre.

"By transforming Garden Street into an inviting gateway, we are supporting local businesses and creating spaces that encourage people to explore and enjoy everything our town has to offer.”

To minimise disruption, Fylde Council is coordinating works with the Highways Authority to ensure they take place outside the main tourist season.

In addition, accessibility improvements will be delivered on Orchard Road to address concerns over slipped paving, safety, and lighting. This scheme will enhance connectivity between St Annes Square and Wood Street, making the route more welcoming and accessible, particularly in the evenings.

Councillor Buckley added: “These much-needed improvements to Orchard Road demonstrate our commitment to making St Annes a safe, accessible, and welcoming destination for all. By responding to the concerns of local businesses and residents, we are ensuring our town remains vibrant and inviting.”

The Orchard Road project will retain its distinctive character by reusing existing materials where possible, alongside upgrades such as new planted areas, tree replacements, and illuminated bollards.

Councillor Gavin Harrison, chair of St Annes Town Council, said: “We are proud to partner with Fylde Council on this important project, demonstrating what can be achieved when local authorities work together for the benefit of our community.

"We will discuss with our partners, the possibility of maintaining the flower beds on Orchard Road to ensure they remain vibrant and attractive throughout the year.”

Both projects form part of the ongoing St Annes Masterplan, with further phases set to progress after Easter to avoid major disruption.

Works across St Annes town centre continue to progress, with key infrastructure improvements well underway:

• North Side Bus Layby – An additional bus shelter is scheduled for installation in April, improving public transport facilities. 
• North Side (Garden Street to Clifton Drive) – Underground services are progressing well, including lighting for new seating, water connections for drinking fountains, and improved drainage.
• South Side (Garden Street to Clifton Drive) – The car parking area is being restructured, with new levels being formed to create an exciting shared community space for future events and activities.

These improvements mark another significant step towards delivering the St Annes Masterplan, ensuring the town remains an attractive, accessible, and welcoming destination for both residents and visitors.

Further updates, including details on the Garden Street public engagement process, will be shared in due course.