Blackpool Bispham Coast Protection Scheme

Plans were launched in May 2026 for the new Blackpool Bispham Coast Protection Scheme. It will help protect the coastline from erosion and prevent homes being lost to the sea. 

The proposed scheme will see sixteen rock groynes built along the beach, in two areas. From Cocker Square (just north of North Pier) to Gynn Square. And from Bispham to Little Bispham.

Blackpool Bispham Coast Protection Scheme

This scheme will reduce the risk of erosion to 3,631 households and 380 non-residential properties. It will also protect strategically important infrastructure that is vital to Blackpool as a resort and community, including the tramway.  

The scheme will see two sections of 1980s sea defences refurbished. They’ve been regularly maintained however they are now life expired and in need of replacement. Replacing the defences now before any erosion of the steep cliffs takes place is important. It will avoid the need for expensive emergency works later down the line.

• 1.5km from Princes Way at Little Bispham to Red Bank Road, Bispham
• 1.3 km from Gynn Square to Cocker Square.
• Both schemes will see improvements to access steps and slipways, replacement of the crest wall and beach management measures.

See the concrete crumbling in these photos, taken adjacent to the tram stop at Little Bispham in April 2022 –

Site Investigations

Ground investigation works took place along the coastline some time ago – you may have seen the rigs taking core samples. Using this information, together with ground penetrating radar and other non-invasive equipment, engineers were able to asses ground conditions. All this information is used to prepare detailed designs for funding and planning applications.

Announcement of Funding

The Environment Agency has allocated £62 million to replace and upgrade coastal defences at the north end of the town. The funding was first announced in 2022 so we went to take a look in mid April 2022, when we heard the good news –

Enjoyed this video? Why don’t you subscribe to our Visit Fylde Coast YouTube channel – make sure you don’t miss out!

Public Consultation

A public consultation on the proposed scheme gives residents the opportunity to have their say. Councillor Jane Hugo is Blackpool Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change. She said: “We take the safety and security of our residents seriously. We can’t stand by and allow people’s homes and businesses to be lost to the sea. In other parts of the country, particularly on the east coast, coastal erosion has caused significant damage, with homes falling into the sea and communities left uncertain about their future. 

“We won’t let that happen to people who live in Blackpool. Blackpool is fortunate to have an agreed ‘hold the line’ policy with central government. We have secured millions of pounds in funding to help prevent this from happening here. Rock groynes and other rocky coastal defence features are used safely around the world. 

Drop-In Sessions

If you would like to learn more about the scheme, come along to one of the drop-in sessions. You can speak to the designers from Jacobs UK and the contractors Balfour Beatty.

• Central Library, Queen Street – Thursday 4 June, 1.00pm to 4.00pm 
• Church of St Stephen on the Cliffs, Holmfield Road – Wednesday 17 June, 4.00pm to 7.00pm 
• Cavendish Road Recreation Ground – Wednesday 24 June, 4.00pm to 7.00pm 

A public exhibition will be available at Central Library from 26 May where residents can view the proposals and pick up a paper copy of the survey.

You can also find out more about the scheme and complete the consultation survey at www.blackpool.gov.uk/BlackpoolBispham 

Following on from £150m of Blackpool Coastal Improvements

In the past 30 years Blackpool Council has successfully delivered over £150 million of coastal infrastructure. These three schemes will further protect homes and businesses as well as vital infrastructure. Many coastal communities are experiencing the devastating effects of coastal erosion. It is critical that we act now to protect our coast.

The Blackpool Bispham Coast Protection Scheme is one project in the work to maintain Blackpool’s coastline. Follow the link to find out about long term planning for sea defences and beach management.