Mussel tank plans

The designs come as Lytham St Annes Civic Society prepares to involve the public in raising some 10 per cent of the £250,000 needed for the scheme.

A bid for £150,000 Heritage Lottery cash towards the project, on the long-derelict site next to Ribble Cruising Club which was once the home of the Scruples nightspot, has been made .

Society officials hope to hear back in September.

In the meantime, with several thousand pounds already earmarked through legacies to the Civic Society, officials are looking for the public’s help in raising £25,000.

Fund-raising events are set to be held over the coming months and details of how the community can get involved are on the Society’s website at www.lsacivic.org.

The Mussel Tank heritage scheme was chosen as the preferred option for the site by Fylde Council .

It takes the form of a viewing platform and relaxation area which Civic Society officials intend to have kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment, such as talking telescopes and 3D holographic experiences, for making the most of the views across the Ribble estuary.

Along with the council, the Civic Society is delighted to have the support of a wide variety of organisations, including the RNLI, RSPB and the Friends of the Estuary, after consultations involving representatives of BCA Landscape Architects, who have prepared the plans.

Civic Society members were given a briefing on the plans earlier this week and Society chairman Marion Coupe said “This is a significant and sensitive spot in our town.

“It is important that its openness and space is retained.

“By working with Fylde Council, Ribble Cruising Club and local groups we have been able to tailor our designs to incorporate so many ideas and initiatives.

“The project has developed into an all-encompassing development which meets the needs of the whole community.”

The Society say that the aim is to make fully utilised and open for all. It will be low maintenance, designed to resist the elements and to link the environmental heritage of the estuary to the built heritage of the town. Along with promoting and informing about the wildlife of the estuary, there will be signpost to all that can be seen from the platform, including the town’s heritage assets and various facilities in Liverpool Bay.

With community art installations and seating areas, the site can also be used as an informal amphitheatre for educational and art events.

The hope is that work will start in spring next year with the new-look Mussel Tank ready to be open to the public that summer.