Fylde Council is undertaking detailed work to repair and restore the St Annes Boating Lake, a cherished attraction on The Island site, with the aim of bringing it back into use as part of the town's family-focused seaside offering. The current phase of work will determine the requirements for returning the lake to a safe, attractive, and sustainable facility that can support concessions and enhance the promenade.
Concurrently, the Council is seeking expressions of interest from businesses and organisations with innovative ideas for alternative uses of The Island site. This market testing aims to ensure all viable options are considered before any final decisions are made regarding the site's future. The Council has stressed that no decision has been made to abandon the boating lake concept, and restoration costings are actively being prepared. Any alternative proposals will be evaluated alongside these restoration efforts, considering the long-term needs of the seafront.
The site currently lacks drainage and other utility services. Interested parties will be responsible for investigating the availability and cost of any necessary connections for their proposed uses.
“"The boating lake is an important part of St Annes’ heritage, and we are working up detailed costings to understand what would be required to restore it as a high-quality attraction for families. At the same time, it is sensible to test the market to see whether there are other ideas that could complement The Island and strengthen the seafront. This is about making a well-informed decision that delivers the best long-term outcome for residents, visitors and the town."
Expressions of interest opened at 12pm on Thursday 15 October and will close at 12pm on Wednesday 4 November. Relevant documents are available via The Chest at www.the-chest.org.uk, reference DN832953. All inquiries must be submitted through the portal's messaging service. The Council will review all received expressions of interest after the deadline.
