The retro seaside town that ‘once rivalled Blackpool’ set to open new lido, beach park and 300-room hotel
A SEASIDE town in the UK is having a resurgence - and has grand plans for a new attraction.
New Brighton, in Wirral, was once a hugely popular tourist resort, with the tallest tower in the UK and the biggest lido.
However, many of these have since been removed - the tower was taken down by 1921 and its pier was removed in the 1970s, followed by the pool in the 1990s.
The Tower Ballroom, which once welcomed The Beatles, burnt down in the 1960s, while ferry services between Mersey and New Brighton were also scrapped.
Despite once being a rival for Blackpool, the UK seaside town is now looking to return to its hey-day.
One of the new attractions of the Marine Promenade Masterplan would include a floating lido right next to the beach.
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It would be similar to The Harbour Bath in Denmark, which has a 50m long pool, a children’s pool, a diving pool and two saunas.
Another inspiration is the Allas Sea Pool in Finland with three pools, a cafe and a sauna.
Along with the lido, the report revealed plans for a pop up beach park, theatre plaza, restaurants and cafes.
A land train would provide better transport in and out of the town.
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And new housing and a 300-room hotel could also be included.
The report, which called the Marine Promenade the "beating heart" of New Brighton, hopes to make the seaside resort one popular agian.
Cllr Tony Jones, chair of Wirral Council’s economy, regeneration, and housing committee, said: “New Brighton has seen a lot of investment relatively recently but that is just a starting point – the town needs much more intervention to re-establish it, and make the most of this fantastic place to live, work, and of course to visit.
“I understand people will be keen to see work moving ahead and I share that, but it is absolutely vital that whatever changes we bring forward are done in the spirit of partnership.”
New Brighton was created back in 1826, becoming a busy seaside resort for UK staycationers.
Still remaining is the Grade II listed Fort Perch Rock and Perch Rock Lighthouse, formerly used as a sea defence.
And the resort also welcomed the £60million leisure facility Marine Point back in 2011, which has restaurants, theatre and cinema.
Around one million tourists visit a year, with cafes and restaurant also along Victoria Parade.
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