New Anchorsholme Park set to open after five-year United Utilities wastewater project

An enormous pipe stretching 3.7km out into the Irish Sea, a storage tank the size of an Olympic swimming pool carved out deep underground, are just two reasons why engineers from United Utilities have been a regular presence above ground, and below the surface, for the past five years in Anchorsholme Park.

The vast £80m project will enhance the town’s sewer system, in order to help improve Blackpool’s bathing waters, creating a better environment for all.

But for many local residents this project is about what goes on above ground as much as below.

And from Monday, April 6 people will get the opportunity to see first-hand what their new park looks like when it opens back-up to the public.

A new café, outdoor seating areas, children’s playground and sports area are just some of the new facilities that visitors will be able to enjoy.

Steve Wong, area stakeholder manager for United Utilities, understands the community have been very patient during the construction.

He said: “Getting to this stage has not been easy, involving a tremendous amount of hard work from our engineers and a tremendous amount of understanding and co-operation from the people living close to Anchorsholme Park.

“We have always said we want to leave a lasting legacy, not only what we deliver underground, but also above ground for people of all ages to use and enjoy.

“We hope when people see the revamped park, it will have been worth the wait.  We are very proud of the fantastic asset we are handing back to the community and Blackpool Council, and we look forward to seeing the park go from strength to strength for many years to come.”

Cllr Maria Kirkland, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Leisure, said: “It is great news that Anchorsholme Park is set to reopen following massive investment in much wider wastewater project.

“I would like to thank everyone involved who has helped deliver a significantly improved space which will offer new indoor and outdoor facilities for people to enjoy, particularly local residents.”

Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard added: “The scale of the works which have been taking place at Anchorsholme Park are clear and I know many local residents are eagerly awaiting completion of this project which will not only improve the quality of local bathing waters, but will deliver a brand new park for our community.

“The new park is impressive and includes fantastic facilities for local people, including a state-of-the-art play area and impressive sporting provision. Like many constituents, I’m looking forward to seeing the gates open.”

Visitors will notice sections of the park remain closed, this is to allow grass to grow in newly re-seeded areas and some footpaths will have diversion routes as reinstatement work is finished off.

An official community open day for the park is planned for Saturday, June 6, which will showcase this new fantastic facility in all its glory, with an action packed day for all to enjoy.  Further details about this celebration event will be made available in the near future.