Call for Jubilee Gardens in Cleveleys to be restored to former glory

A call has been made for a Fylde coast park to be restored to the way it used to be, when it was a huge attraction for youngsters, families and visitors.

Jubilee Gardens, on Cleveleys seafront, was once one of the jewels in the town’s crown.

First opened in 1937, the park was still a major draw in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, before it began to decline.

In its prime, it boasted a mini train which took passengers across the park, a play area which included swings, a roundabout, a slide and a paddling pool, with a cafe selling light snacks, hot drinks, ice cream and lollies.

There was also a boating lake, a bandstand for live performances and tennis courts, along with its public toilets.

And its location across the road from the beach meant families could also pack their buckets and spades.

Efforts have been made by the Friends of Jubilee Gardens to raise funds and make the best of the amenity.

However, for the past three years it has been used as a storage compound for the Anchorsholme Coastal Protection Scheme and it is a far cry from how it was in its prime.

This was flagged up by Cllr Rob Fail, who grew up in Cleveleys and represents the town’s Jubilee ward.

Cllr Fail, who is also leader of Wyre Council’s Labour opposition, flagged up parks when he presented an amendment to the council’s Budget proposals last week.

He said: “With regards to Wyre’s parks, when Wyre hands over responsibility of its parks to the new Unitary Authority, the Council, and more importantly the residents, should be proud of each and every one of its parks

“That’s certainly not currently the case for Jubilee Gardens in Cleveleys. Having spent my whole life in Cleveleys I do remember when Jubilee Gardens was a great park, and it saddens me to see it in its current shocking state.

“The Council bulldozed a well designed, but tired park in 2005, built a car park on our tennis courts in 2012, and then closed off half the park three years ago.

“Residents’ wishes have been ignored for too long; it’s time that Jubilee Gardens was rejuvenated.

“A functioning park has the ability to improve both the physical and mental health of residents.”

Wyre Council did state last October that it had plans to open the redeveloped space to coincide with the Garden’s 90th anniversary in 2027.

Money is said to be available thanks to council funding and ongoing fundraising by the Friends group.

A public consultation took place over four weeks in October/November 2025, with residents given a chance to share ideas in an online survey and drop-in sessions.

Young people from Cleveleys created street art and design ideas as part of the community consultation, in a workshop led by street artists from Butterfly Effected CIC.