100 SCIENTIFIC SURVEY OF BLACKPOOL AND DISTRICT 



that there would be less sand necessary for the filling up, but it was proved in 

 actual practice that there was no advantage in such a design. The cost of 

 forming and keeping the sand in position was more than would have been the 

 case if it had been brought to the same level. As the sea frequently sprayed 

 over the wall and the palisade, it was necessary to form a protection : otherwise 

 the gardens would be frequently covered with water. The footpath was 

 therefore made 25 feet in width along the edge of the sea-wall, and where 

 sunken gardens were installed a substantial rustic stone-wall was built, broken 

 up by shelters and seating accommodation, and preserving the sunken areas 

 from being flooded except on rare occasions. It is anticipated that in the 

 future sand will accumulate, and the risk of water coming over the wall will be 

 still further reduced. 



The first sunken garden was built as a decorative feature. At either end is 

 an ornamental fountain, with a sundial on a pedestal formed by one of the 

 conglomerates found on the shore near the Gynn. It is maintained by the 

 Parks Superintendent with floral beds, and provides a sheltered area for 

 visitors. Each of the three sunken gardens is differently designed — quite 

 distinctive in character, and therefore in some degree easily distinguishable. 



The central feature at Harrowside consists of four pylon-formed entrances 

 at the northern and southern ends to a yachting pond. Here children, with 

 their model yachts, are able to derive full enjoyment from that form of recrea- 

 tion. The pond is raised above the footpath surrounding it, and there are 

 two shelters and a colonnade and shelter in the centre. Ladies' and gentlemen's 

 underground conveniences are also provided at this point. 



The aim has been to make this portion of the Blackpool Promenade varied 

 in character, artistically attractive, and at the same time amply sufficient to 

 accommodate our numerous visitors. Difficult though it may be to carry out 

 on such a length, with so narrow a width, a design which is not stereotyped, 

 it is hoped that the attempt has met with success. 



The separate tram track, which is linked up with the existing Blackpool and 

 Fleetwood tramways, and with the tramways of the Lytham St. Annes 

 Corporation, has a continuous run from Fleetwood to Lytham St. Annes 

 along and near to the sea-front. On the eastern side of the Promenade is a 

 large area of land which has been developed for building sites for hotels, 

 boarding and apartment-houses and private residences. This land has 

 provided exceedingly attractive sites along one of the finest sea-fronts on this 

 coast, with excellent railway and tramway facilities close at hand. 



The cost of the sea-wall was £180,000, and the Promenade £110,000, 

 making a total of £290,000. 



The whole of the work was designed and carried out by direct labour by 

 Mr. Francis Wood, M.Inst.C.E., the Borough Engineer and Surveyor, who 

 expressed his appreciation of the work done by Mr. H. Banks, the Resident 

 Engineer, and to all under him who so ably assisted in carrying out the work. 



Promenade between Arundel Avenue and Cleveleys. 



Perhaps it would be of interest to describe the conditions existing prior to 

 the construction of the sea-wall and Promenade on this length of coast. 



