Introduction of Blackpool’s New Sea Wall

The Blackpool sea wall first went up in the mid to late 19th century. Before that, Blackpool, known for its sandy beaches and fresh sea air, often faced flooding and erosion from the Irish Sea. The first big sea wall was built in the 1870s to protect Blackpool from the sea and stop flooding as the town grew. As Blackpool became more popular with tourists, the sea wall was expanded and strengthened through the late 19th century. By the early 20th century, more work was done to handle stronger storms and rising sea levels. After World War II, additional upgrades were needed due to increased erosion and changing weather. New materials and techniques made the defenses stronger.

In the early 2000s, it was clear that the sea wall needed a major upgrade. In 2001, Blackpool was part of a big coastal protection project. The old defenses were worn out and needed significant improvements to protect the town from flooding and erosion. The major work, part of the Blackpool Coastal Protection Scheme, took place from 2005 to 2011. This involved building a new sea wall and adding stepped revetments to improve protection and enhance the look of the promenade. These updates ensured that Blackpool’s sea defenses were strong enough to handle severe weather and keep the town safe.