Blackpool is famous for its arcades, fish and chips, Victorian promenade and hen parties, but now the northern seaside town is to get a new community farm.
Plans to create the farm in Blackpool have been given the go ahead after receiving over £350,000 of National Lottery funding from the Big Lottery Fund.
The farm will be used for community food growing to improve the mental and physical health, employability and quality of life for those living in the immediate and surrounding areas.
Plans for the site were developed by Blackpool's Fairness Commission following extensive consultation with the local community.
It will include; creating raised flower beds, a timber covered outdoor work area, childrens' play space, a fruit growing area, poly tunnels, a fruit tree orchard and a picnic and seating area. There will be no livestock on the site.
Mental well-being
There is increasing evidence to suggest that community food growing provides significant benefits in terms of physical and mental wellbeing.
With overall health and wellbeing in Blackpool being significantly worse than the national average, the farm is welcome news for the local community.
The farm eventually aims to be self-sustaining; generating income from produce grown on site, offering educational visits, courses and workshops and commissioned services.
A 'Friends Of' group will also be developed, so that local residents and beneficiaries can continue and champion the work of the farm in the future.
Andrew Darron, Groundwork's Executive Director said: "The need for people to access high quality green open spaces for both physical and mental wellbeing, recreation, volunteering and training has become unprecedented in recent years and we expect far greater need in years to come.
"We hope that the farm will become a real hub of the local community and we are delighted to be involved in developing and delivering this exciting project."
Work is set to begin shortly, with plans for the farm to be operational towards the end of the year.
