Plans for replica Hawk jet to play key role at Blackpool’s Arboretum

Plans are in the pipeline to install a half-size fabricated Hawk jet replica within the Fylde Memorial Arboretum at Bispham.

The memorial will pay special tribute to the RAF at the Memorial Arboretum, a woodland site of remembrance which is the only one of its kind outside the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire.

The Fylde Memorial Arboretum, off Moor Park Avenue, has played host to many services of dedication in recent years.

The replica has previous history on the Fylde coast; it was previously installed and publicly displayed at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, in the guise of a Red Arrow. The famous RAF display team employs Hawk jets.

Now a planning application has been submitted to Blackpool Council for installation of the half size hawk jet replica as an RAF Memorial at the Fylde Memorial and Arboretum and Community Woodland at Moor Park Avenue, Bispham.

What statement says

A supporting statement for the proposals said: “The memorial will form part of the wider military and historic memorial setting already established throughout the arboretum.

“Its previous long-term installation within Blackpool (Pleasure Beach) demonstrates that the structure is capable of withstanding local weather conditions.

“The proposal has received support and involvement from local organisations, businesses, volunteers, and educational institutions.

“Blackpool Illuminations Team assisted with transportation of the aircraft from its previous location, and students and tutors from Blackpool and Fylde College have undertaken extensive restoration and refurbishment works to the replica, returning it to a high-quality condition.

“Funding for the memorial stones and associated commemorative elements is currently being raised through local donations and business support.”

Size of replica

The aircraft replica is constructed from fibreglass and steel and measures 6.5 metres (21 feet) in length, with a wingspan of 5.5 metres (18 feet) and a support column height of 5.5 metres.

With a lowest wing height above ground level of 3.5 metres (11.5ft) and a circular planting bed diameter of 3 metres 99.8ft), the aircraft will be positioned in an angled “banking left” orientation to create the appearance of flight.

By contrast, the body length of a genuine full size BAE Systems Hawk jet ranges from 11.34 meters (37 feet 4 inches) for the Hawk 200 to 12.43 meters (40 feet 9 inches) for the newer Hawk T2.

The support structure will comprise a cylindrical steel column fixed to an engineered concrete foundation below ground level.

It is proposed that the the column will be finished in a dark protective coating to minimise visual impact within the surrounding landscape setting, and the aircraft itself will be securely fixed to the top of the support column.

The memorial will be positioned adjacent to an existing pedestrian path, allowing visitors to view the structure without obstructing movement through the site.

Existing Falklands memorial benches and memorial stones are located on the opposite side of the nearby path and will remain entirely unaffected and unobstructed by the proposed installation.

Th statement add: “The site is framed by existing mature trees, the land is owned by Blackpool Council and is managed by the Fylde Memorial Arboretum.

The nearest existing footpath lies 3 metres from the proposed memorial location.

“No overlooking, loss of privacy, noise impact, or disturbance to neighbouring properties will arise from the proposal.

“Ongoing maintenance, inspections, and care of the memorial will be undertaken jointly by the Fylde Memorial Arboretum team together with Blackpool and Fylde College.”