Blackpool's 11.25 kilometre sea frontage is protected from erosion by the sea wall, which needs constant maintenance.
Under the Coastal Protection Act the council must ensure the stability of sea walls and ensure their continued maintenance, for which a detailed Coast Protection Strategy was adopted by the council in 1995.
Coastal protection plan
Blackpool is set to undergo a multi-million pound coastal protection plan. Three schemes are under development:
Blackpool Beach Management Scheme
The Blackpool Beach Management Scheme is a major investment into Blackpool's most popular stretch of coastline.
17 rock groynes will be installed on the beach between South Pier and North Pier to protect homes, businesses and vital infrastructure from coastal erosion and flooding, and preserve Blackpool's beaches for future generations.
This scheme went to consultation last year and is now awaiting a decision from the council's planning committee.
Anchorsholme Coast Protection Scheme
The Anchorsholme Coast Protection Scheme will protect 5,000 homes in and round Anchorsholme from flooding and coastal erosion.
Five Y and crank‑shaped rock groynes will be installed on the beach at Anchorsholme. These will trap sand and raise the beach level, helping to absorb wave energy and reduce the size of waves reaching the sea wall during storms, lowering the risk of flooding.
Alongside the groynes, rock armour will be added to the revetment to provide a long‑term solution to movement and damage to the existing concrete defences. It will absorb wave energy more effectively than the current smooth concrete slope, offering improved flood protection.
The works for this scheme are ongoing and expected to finish early 2028.
Blackpool Bispham Coast Protection Scheme
This scheme aims to stop coastal erosion and preserve the beach for future generations.
16 rock groynes will be built on the beach across two areas:
- Cocker Square (just north of North Pier) to Gynn Square
- Bispham to Little Bispham
A conultation survey for this scheme is now live.
Fylde Sand Dunes Project
Fylde Sand Dunes Project is a partnership between Blackpool Council, Fylde Council and the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, fully funded by the Environment Agency. It aims to protect and restore the dunes, which are an important habitat and natural sea defence for Blackpool, St Annes and Lytham. The project also boosts local biodiversity and has supported the return of sand lizards to the area.
Previous coastal defence schemes
Here is a brief overview of previous coastal defence schemes in Blackpool:
- Blackpool Coastal Defence Strategy: A 20 year initiative aimed at rebuilding critical defence sections, with £62 million invested in transforming the promenade from the Sandcastle Centre to North Pier and constructing a 3.2 km seawall along the same stretch
- Rossall and Anchorsholme Coast Protection Scheme: A partnership between Blackpool and Wyre councils to enhance and replace sea defences, safeguarding 12,000 properties from coastal flooding. The £86 million project was one of the UK's largest flood defence programmes, with Rossall’s sea wall opening in June 2018. Further coastal defence works are proposed for Anchorsholme
- Anchorsholme Park Improvement: United Utilities carried a major £200m construction project at Anchorsholme Park between 2015 and 2020 to manage wastewater and improve bathing water quality. Read more
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