The West Lancashire Borough Council has recently unveiled a major project for the Beacon Country Park. The project includes a variety of attractions such as golf facilities, a high ropes course, glamping pods, a soft play centre, and cycle tracks.
The plans are currently open for consultation and also propose the establishment of a café, bar, and restaurant building, along with a children’s car track, picnic areas, and a site of Special Scientific Interest.
This initiative comes after the closure of the Beacon Country Park Golf Course, which was reportedly running at a loss. However, key figures have assured that the space will remain open to the public and have firmly dismissed rumors of any potential housing development on the site.
As per a LancsLive report, the masterplan for the site outlines plans for new golf facilities, including a driving range, a nine-hole course, and an adventure golf attraction.
The council is seeking feedback from residents and key stakeholders about the types of enhancements and activities they would like to see at the park. One councilor has expressed optimism that the park could become one of the best in the region.
The plans are still in the early stages, and the feedback from the consultation will be used to help the council design its future plans for the park.
The council’s vision for the green space is intended to have a health and wellbeing focus for local residents, a sustainable and secure forward plan, and to increase visitor numbers from outside the area who will bring in vital economic investment.
Councilor Carl Coughlan, the portfolio holder for leisure, has stated that they have an incredible opportunity to create one of the best green spaces in the North West where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy time in the great outdoors.
The council is committed to maintaining and improving the park as a space that benefits everyone in the borough, while being a sustainably-run green space. They are eager to hear everyone’s thoughts on how to achieve this before further scoping work is taken forward by officers.
The consultation can be accessed online until August 7, and a series of consultation sessions will also be held at various locations.
The development of the Beacon Country Park aligns with the growing trend of glamping and outdoor recreational activities. Glamping, a blend of glamour and camping, offers a way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort.
This, combined with the golfing facilities and other amenities, makes the park a potential hotspot for local and foreign tourists alike.
The park’s development also has the potential to boost the local economy by attracting visitors from outside the area. This could lead to increased spending in local businesses and create job opportunities for residents.
Furthermore, the focus on health and wellbeing resonates with the current global emphasis on outdoor activities and nature-based relaxation for mental health benefits.
The proposed developments at the Beacon Country Park represent a significant investment in local green spaces and outdoor recreation. The project aims to create a diverse range of attractions that cater to different interests and age groups, while also promoting health, wellbeing, and sustainable practices.
The outcome of the ongoing consultation will shape the future of the park and its role in the local community and beyond.