Blackpool Beach Management Scheme

Blackpool Council is proposing a multi-million pound Blackpool Beach Management Scheme for the central coastline area. In September 2025 the plans went out on public display and for consultation. The purpose of the works is to save our beaches, and secure Blackpool’s future.

Blackpool Beach Management Scheme

The Blackpool Beach Management scheme is a £57m investment into coastal defences. It will protect homes and businesses from flooding and secure the future of Blackpool’s much-loved golden sandy beaches. It’s vital for securing Blackpool’s future.

Blackpool is losing its beaches. They could be lost forever if urgent action isn’t taken. As a result of climate change, sand levels are lowering. This is exposing the clay underneath, posing a serious risk to sea defences. By breaking waves, the beach provides the first line of defence against coastal erosion and flooding during storms.

If we don’t act now, Blackpool will lose its sandy beaches for good.

Full details here about the scheme

What does the Scheme Include?

The proposals include the construction of rock headlands along the beach. The area involved stretches from just south of South Pier to just north of North Pier (at Cocker Square). The Environment Agency has awarded funding to Blackpool Council for these works.

17 rock headlands around 100 metres long will be constructed on the beach. They’re to be spaced approximately 150 metres apart.

The purpose of the rock headlands is to create sheltered areas along the coastline. They’ll reduce the impact of waves and wind while deflecting tidal currents. This will help trap and retain the natural onshore supply of sand on the upper beach. In turn protecting existing coastal defences and reduce the risks of erosion and flooding.

Delivering the Project

Blackpool beach is obviously very busy and a popular open space, all year round. Delivering rocks by sea will minimise disruption. Located on the promenade at the south sides of Central and South Piers are two site compounds.

A few miles north of Blackpool at Cleveleys, a very similar project is almost complete. Cleveleys beach has been open throughout the entire Wyre Beach Management Scheme. In the same way, only portions of beach will be closed during the Blackpool scheme. There’s no point during the entire scheme where the whole beach will be closed. The majority of it will remain open for you to enjoy throughout the works.

During certain busy events (e.g. Illuminations Switch On, Blackpool Air Show) no works will take place.

Public Consultation on Blackpool Beach Management Scheme

Drop-in and see the plans and share what you think to them, ahead of the planning application submission.

The consultation opened on Tuesday 9 September. Three drop-in sessions are available for people to learn more and speak to the project team:

• Tuesday 9 September, 10.00am to 4.00pm: Central Library (Brunswick Room) Queen Street, Blackpool, FY1 1PX 

• Friday 19 September, 10.00am to 4.00pm: Solaris Centre (Global Room), New South Promenade, Blackpool, FY4 1RW

• Plus an evening session (date and location TBC)

From 9 September to 31 October, the plans are on display at Central Library during normal library opening hours. (Except 19 September and 23 September). Complete the consultation online here. Or pick up a paper copy and pre-paid envelope from Central Library on Queen Street.

The consultation closes Friday 31 October 2025.

Other Sea Defence Works at Blackpool

Coastal authorities always have an eye on their sea defences and work all the time to a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP). Blackpool’s SMP has identified other areas of work required at Anchorsholme and Blackpool North.