Wyre picks Parkinson for Rossall Point tower
Wyre Council has awarded Fylde Coast-based Parkinson Building Contractors with a construction contract for a new observation tower at Rossall Point.
The contractor has gained a £550,000 contract to build the 14m tower between now and next spring, which is part of the £1.6m Sea Change project.
Designed by Mushtaq Saleri, from architects Studio Three, the structure will have several viewing platforms open to the public, an education centre on the ground floor where views from the top will be projected on to screens and a new home for the National Coast Watch Initiative volunteers.
Cllr Barry Birch, cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration at Wyre Council, said: "People have been very patient while we sorted things out behind the scenes but now we have a contractor in place we can really start bringing this project to life.
"Soon we will have an eye catching focal point for visitors on a part of the seafront that is often overlooked. By becoming part of the coastal trail, it will also provide the physical link that has been missing between Cleveleys and Fleetwood, allowing us to promote the whole area as one remarkable coastline."
Andy Smith, construction director at Parkinsons, added: "The company has experience of working in coastal environment and is currently constructing the iconic Wedding Chapel on the Tower Headlands in Blackpool.
"We are also at work in Fleetwood constructing the new PCT and recently completed the new football stadium at Fleetwood Town FC."
The council said artwork inside and out will link the project to both the Mythical coast trail and the refresh of Marine Gardens.
In the interim, the National Coast Watch Initiative has chosen to suspend its duties rather than use the alternative accommodation suggested by Wyre Council.
The council added that most of the concrete construction will take place off site, in order to protect the natural environment as much as possible.
Parkinsons hopes to be on site by late autumn, when the surrounding promenade and pathways will close for short periods of time.
The council said suggestions are now being sought for a suitable name for the tower.
