Over the coming weeks Wyre Council will be putting the finishes touches to the Rossall Coast Defence Scheme in the form of artworks from West Way to Chatsworth Avenue.
The 1.5km strip of land now known as Larkholme Grasslands is already classed as a Biological Heritage Site because of the rare species of flora and fauna that grow there. The area has been enhanced to allow residents to enjoy the rich and diverse wildlife and will shortly feature specially created sculptures, designed by artist Stephen Broadbent.
The ecology park will feature artworks that bring to life the diverse range of marine species that give the area its Biological Heritage Site status. Colourful stainless steel grassland beacons and hand carved wooden artworks will stand tall at pedestrian access points along the promenade and act as way-finders connecting paths to the promenade. These will link the project to the Mythic Coast, an artwork trail based on folklore and myth surrounding the local coastline.
Beginning at Cleveleys, visitors to the Mythic Coast can follow an artwork and poetry trail from the popular children’s book The Sea Swallow, until the story ends at Rossall Point Observation Tower. Characters from the book including a giant stainless steel seashell and sea ogre carved from limestone, can also be spotted along the picturesque walk.
Councillor Roger Berry, Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety Portfolio Holder at Wyre Council said ‘Installing these new pieces of artwork is a fitting way to complete the coastal defence scheme at Rossall. As well as protecting thousands of homes and businesses from flooding, we now have a visually stunning promenade for residents and visitors to enjoy and the work of Stephen Broadbent will really bring our wonderful coastline to life.’
Larkholme Grasslands form part of the Rossall Coast Defence Scheme, which replaced two kilometres of sea defences from Rossall Hospital to Rossall Point, in a £63m coastal defence scheme that will protect 7,500 properties from the risk of flooding.
Work on installing the artwork started on Monday 26 November 2018 and is due to be completed before the end of the year.