New Rossall sea defences land award
Wyre Council, Balfour Beatty, and the Environment Agency were given a bronze award in recognition of their efforts.
Carl Green, head of engineering at Wyre Council, said: “This award in the £50million plus category represents significant recognition for the work the combined Wyre Council and Balfour Beatty team is undertaking.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“To construct such a significant piece of infrastructure whilst minimising the negative impact on the local community and actively engaging, involving and being part of Fleetwood is an excellent example to the whole construction industry.”
Rossall forms part of the wider Fylde Peninsula Coastal Programme, a partnership between Wyre Council, Blackpool Council, Fylde Council and the Environment Agency to replace sea defences in the largest coastal improvement scheme in the country.
Mark Farrah, Balfour Beatty Regional Managing Director, North and Midlands, said: “We are delighted to have won the Bronze Award for our work on the Rossall coastal defence scheme. It’s fantastic recognition for the commitment we’ve made to the local community and all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to deliver social benefit to the 7,500 residents nearby.
“The landscaping work marks the beginning of the end of construction for the Rossall sea defences. Once complete, Rossall and Anchorsholme will be the largest coastal protection scheme in the UK helping to protect thousands of homes, businesses and the local community from the risk of flooding.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe new ecology park will be created on a 1.5km strip of land between West Way and Fairway and will be known as Larkholme Grasslands. The area is already classed as a Biological Heritage Site because of the rare species of flora and fauna that grow there.
It will be enhanced to allow residents to enjoy the rich and diverse wildlife and will feature specially created sculptures, designed by Mythic Coast artist Stephen Broadbent, the council said.
Colourful aluminium grassland beacons will stand alongside promenade paths, and hand-carved wooden artworks will illustrate a new story about the grasslands’ ecology, and seating, pathways and bridges will be added to make the whole area more accessible.
Two public information events are being held at Marine Hall, The Esplanade, Fleetwood on Wednesday 12 April - 2pm-4pm and 5pm-7pm.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdResidents can drop in and find out more about plans to transform the site, and artist Stephen Broadbent will be on hand to discuss his designs.
The new sea defences are due to be completed in November 2017 when the promenade will also re-open. Larkholme Grasslands will be completed in spring 2018.
To find out more call into the information cabin at West Way car park which is open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.30pm, or visit fyldecoastalprogramme.co.uk.