Live music and events space planned for town

A computerised image of how the space would look

A new £3m events space to host concerts, markets and other entertainment is being planned for a Lancashire seaside town.

Fylde Council held a public consultation last summer about ideas for the St Annes Event Space project.

The feedback has resulted in a more ambitious scheme being developed, complete with amphitheatre-style seating and costing £2.91m.

Half of the funding has already been approved and members of the council's executive committee will meet on 23 May to discuss granting a remaining £1.4m.

'Enormous potential'

More than 200 people took part in the consultation about the plans for St Annes Square West.

As well as the main event square, the plans will see improvements to lighting, signage and CCTV.

Fylde Council submitted a bid to the government’s Levelling-Up Fund to help pay, but found out in November 2023 that had been unsuccessful.

Council leader Karen Buckley said: “Despite this set back, our determination to invest in St Annes Square remains.

"Of our three town centres in Fylde, St Annes has struggled most to adapt to online shopping trends and recover from the pandemic.

"While the beach and promenade remain a popular destination, bringing people into the town centre to enjoy the hospitality, shops and businesses on offer is a priority for this council and so the plan is to invest in the more ambitious scheme for greater impact.”

'Revitalise town'

Surrounding streets would be blocked off to traffic when events are held.

Council deputy leader Richard Redcliffe told BBC Radio Lancashire: "If we can create the event space we will pull in large numbers of people which will boost the tourist economy and revitalise the town centre.

"I think we'd already have people who are organising events who want to move in. The potential is enormous."

If approved, Mr Redcliffe hopes work will start in September with the aim of opening in spring.