Wyre Dock Plans

Emergent proposals for redeveloping the large site surrounding Wyre Dock are gaining strength with involvement of a team of professional firms and advisors. An outline of visionary proposals will be aired at Rossall School on the 15th November. Wyre Dock Development Ltd. will be joined by Associated British Ports and Architects, Brock Carmichael who have extensive experience of urban waterfront projects in the northwest, particularly on Merseyside and the Wirral.

The role of the FHLT's trams feature prominently in proposals; both as a visitor display in enlarged exhibition space, as well as operating a proposed loop line encircling the dock. Outside contractors are now preparing costings and technical requirements for Wyre Dock Development Ltd. Up to six working trams will be required for what is intended to be a year round operation. The importance of incorporating a skills training restoration workshop is also essential for long term operation. This is intended to become a key element in the tramway presence onsite, with visitor viewing galleries accessing work on trams.

At present the Trust's trams are stored outdoors with exception of Brush Car 290 - which is at Rigby Road Depot, courtesy of Blackpool Transport and the Blackpool Heritage Tours team. The potential for transfer of the FHLT trams to enclosed storage in Fleetwood is coming under scrutiny as the Wyre Dock scheme starts to gather pace. Certainly 2018 is set to bring significant changes to the future of this important part of Fleetwood's heritage and the Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramroad lives on.