Early enabling works for Blackpool's Anchorsholme Coast Protection Scheme will begin on 26 January 2026, with construction compounds being established on site.

Activity on the beach and installation of the revetment are scheduled to get under way in May 2026.

The project is designed to protect more than 5,000 properties from coastal erosion and flooding, helping to safeguard homes and businesses for the long term.

Plans include the construction of five rock groynes along the Anchorsholme beach and the placement of a rock revetment over the existing sloped seawall.

The groynes aim to tackle the continued lowering of beach sand levels, which has at times exposed the underlying clay; once that erodes, the beach is permanently lost. The headlands will trap sand and raise beach levels, absorbing wave energy and reducing the likelihood of flooding.

-- Advertisement --

The rock revetment will reinforce and stabilise the seawall, with the rocks helping to dissipate wave force during storms.

The Environment Agency is fully funding the £11 million cost of constructing the rock groynes. The revetment will be paid for by contractors Balfour Beatty to address issues arising from previous coastal defence works.

Cllr Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: "This scheme is vital for protecting the community from flooding and for preserving the beach at Anchorsholme for future generations.

"The project team has worked with the local community to develop a design for the hoardings facing people's properties. While we understand the works will cause some inconvenience to nearby residents, if this work does not happen, the community is at direct risk from coastal flooding.

"With the climate change emergency, rising sea levels and reduced sand levels are inevitable unless we do something. If we do nothing, then the risks of sea water flooding properties are higher, which is simply not an option for this council."

To facilitate access and utility works, Princes Way will be closed from 27 January to 28 February 2026 at the junction with Queen's Promenade, with the closure extending just beyond the existing compound. The rest of Princes Way will remain open at Kingsway and Anchorsholme Lane West, with a signed diversion in place.

Some on-street parking will be unavailable, but pedestrian access will remain open. A section of Cycle Route 62 will close periodically, with diversions provided.