West Lancashire Borough Council reveals transformational vision for Beacon Country Park

• New vision for Beacon Country Park revealed
• Community green space will be 'beacon' for best-practice
• Wellbeing, sustainability and job creation integral to the plan

At a meeting of Full Council on 14 December 2022, approval was given for the pausing of operations at the golf course at Beacon Country Park and for Officers to undertake an options appraisal for how the area may look and develop in the future. The move received unanimous backing from all councillors present at the meeting.

The Council decision has set in motion plans for a transformational and ambitious masterplan for the park that will be developed following public consultation, due to commence in early May 2023.

The plan will strive to transform Beacon Country Park into a 'beacon' for leisure, wellbeing, heritage, culture and the environment, becoming an exciting visitor destination for future generations. It will also support the local economy, providing employment and training opportunities for years to come.

The masterplan aims to:

• Establish a long-term masterplan for the park, informed by residents
• Increase the physical accessibility of the park
• Build upon the significant level of public and stakeholder interest to develop a supported and expanded volunteer network
• Establish a greater level of education provision within the park
• Support the local economy through the creation of jobs
• Create a unique best-practice model of wellbeing provision set within a green space
• Realise new commercial opportunities with a business plan to support the future management and maintenance of the park

Councillor Carl Coughlan, portfolio holder for Leisure, said: "'Our goal is to create a sustainable, high-quality green asset for the whole community that not only enhances everyone's wellbeing, but boosts our local economy and provides employment, volunteering and education opportunities while having a sustainable business plan that ensures its future.

"It is first and foremost a resource that belongs to the community and that’s why it's so important to us that we work with residents, community groups and partners to realise the Council's ambitions and create an offer that caters to a diverse section of our communities.

"To aid us in achieving this, we will be undertaking a series of face-to-face and online consultations. More details will be released in the coming weeks."