New community space with three storage containers being proposed

Residents on a Blackpool estate are set to get their own community space which will include indoor facilities.

The Friends of Layton Recreation Ground are proposing to install three secure storage containers within the recreational ground to support community activities and events for the nearby Queens Park estate.

The containers will allow for safe storage for equipment used in community activities, while there would also be community-led artwork in partnership with House of Wingz to complement existing park features.

The other two containers will also provide a base for small, inclusive activities and sessions for local residents close to the recreational green space, which is bordered by Mather Street, Collingwood Avenue and Caunce Street.

However, the Friends group want to hear the views of residents before any final decisions are made and will be holding a drop-in consultation event in the area this month.

The consultation is being staged on Sunday September 27 from 12pm to 2pm, next to the Queens Park play area.

Originally built in the 1960s with high-rise tower blocks and maisonettes (often referred to as the Layton Flats), the council-owned site underwent a major £22 million regeneration project starting in 2013.

The old towers were completely demolished and replaced with modern, low-rise family houses and apartments managed by Blackpool Coastal Housing.

WHAT THEY SAY

The consultation event will be attended by staff from Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH), along with Brunswick ward councillors, Cllr Laura Marshall and Cllr Matthew Thomas.

Chair of the Friends Group, Mary Murphy, said: “We are pleased that Blackpool Council and Blackpool Coastal Housing are listening to our ideas for the estate and are willing to work with us to bring back local community for our neighbours and their families.”

Cllr Laura Marshall: “It has been a pleasure to work with the ladies on Layton Rec/Queens Park Estate over the last couple of years, they are so passionate about their neighbourhood.

“The group have already provided many free events which have been very well attended by local families, such as Christmas Switch Ons, Easter Egg Hunts, Children’s Fun Day’s and gardening activities.

“The new space would be resident-led, ensuring the continuity of the Friends Group and the grassroots support they provide for families and young people on the estate, which formerly had a community centre and a youth club.

“Nevertheless, it is important that all residents living on the estate have their say on the proposal, that is why we have worked with the Friends Group and BCH to facilitate the public consultation, later this month.”

The funding will be provided through a combination of the Pride in Place Impact Fund via the council/Chris Webb MP and Councillor ward funding.

The cabins are already owned by the council so the cost of the new facility will only entail the relocation and installation costs, as well as the artwork/decoration.

The expected cost is around £10,000 for the relocation, installation and decoration of the cabins that are already owned by the council and are currently not in use.