While the festival continues to have its massive impact on the visitor economy, raising its profile regionally and nationally as well as boosting visitor numbers, Lytham and its near neighbour St Annes are also looking to the future.
Vikki Harris, Visit Lancashire director of marketing and partnerships, says that in common with their big neighbour Blackpool there is investment in hotels and town centres. She adds: “St Annes also has a town centre masterplan.”
Earlier this year plans were unveiled to transform the former JR Taylor department store in St Annes into a spa, restaurant and hotel, complete with rooftop bar.
A destination management report (DMP) for St Annes was commissioned by Fylde Council and published towards the end of last year.
HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES
Mention Lytham and most people will reply ‘festival’. The annual music event has put the Fylde town firmly on the map
A line-up of international music acts attracted record attendances during this year’s five-day summer gathering on the green
A total of 100,000 visited the event, with sell-out crowds of 22,500 for both the Sting and Def Leppard / Mötley Crüe concerts.
Other acts which appeared across the week in an impressive line- up included Jamiroquai, George Ezra, Lionel Richie, Blondie, Kaiser Chiefs and Gabrielle.
It declared: “As Blackpool’s ambitious regeneration plans continue to take shape, St Annes will develop its offer to support and take advantage of this opportunity.
“Alongside this is a need to continue to complement nearby Lytham with its strong food offer and evening economy.
“The three resorts work well together and care needs to be taken not to upset the balance.
“Secondly, its seafront, beaches and manageable scale make it an ideal destination for family visitors to the North West coast.
“The masterplan and this DMP will help to realise the town’s ambition to become a ‘best in class’ family resort destination.”
The focus is also on increasing the events on offer in St Annes, using cash from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The St Annes Events Space project, part of the masterplan, aims to create a dedicated events space in the heart of St Annes Square. The aim is to have its construction completed by next summer.
JEWEL IN THE CROWN
It would be remiss to consider Lancashire’s coast without shining a light on Lytham Hall and its incredible transformation over recent years.
Lytham Hall was acquired by Lytham Town Trust in 1997 and was subsequently leased to the Heritage Trust for the North West, a charity which currently manages the property along with around 30 other buildings of architectural and historic interest.
Brown & Co has been appointed as accountants for the Heritage Trust for the North West, so we asked its CEO, Liz Moss, how the transformation has been achieved and the benefits to the Fylde coast.
She said: “At Lytham Hall the 400-strong team couldn’t be prouder of what has been achieved in the last few years. A well-hidden secret to many in the early 21st century, the hall and parkland has been transformed from a somewhat dilapidated and rarely visited property, into a conserved and restored award-winning Grade I-Listed Georgian Hall attracting over 230,000 visitors a year.
may still have remained a hidden secret. Lytham Hall is now a huge draw to the Fylde coast – whether for visitors or locals – and is celebrated as a Fylde coast jewel.
Chris Brown
“It’s been a journey of genuine Fylde coast community input – and community in every sense – with support from over 350 active volunteers every week of the year; to in-kind and financial support through grants from Fylde Council and funds it can draw for visitor economy and pride of place activities; to endless support from the business community, whether that be major financial donations to local high street businesses.
“In fact, if it hadn’t been for the initial generosity of local electricians, plumbers, grounds maintenance, decorators, entrepreneurs, and the sheer vision and commitment of our managers, Lytham Hall
“At Lytham Hall we like to think our way of working epitomises that combination of post pandemic celebrated success – a thriving organisation that focuses on both financial sustainability as well as community spirit and social value.”
Lytham Hall is also home to the newly formed Fylde Coast Entrepreneurs Club, bringing together leaders from some of the Fylde coast’s most successful businesses, a collaboration of Brabners, First Comm Recruitment and Brown & Co, and facilitated by Hamish Hamilton.
If you would like to get involved and join the club, then get in touch with me at
chris.brown@
brownandco.uk
Chris Brown managing director
brownandco.uk
LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
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