Let’s bring back Fleetwod Pier, says former world champ boxer

Former world champion boxer Jane Couch is calling for Fleetwood to get its pier back.

And the plan is attracting plenty of support, including backing from a recent former mayor of Wyre.

Fleetwood lost its pier when the structure burnt down in September 2008, and the site has been empty ever since.

Jane, 57, who grew up in the town and still lives there, says the town would be given a massive boost if a new leisure amenity could be built on the seafront site.

It could offer an arcade, a beach bar, a function room for bands and various other attractions, she says.

The popular sportswoman, awarded an MBE for services to women’s boxing in the UK, says the town is desperately in need of new amenities to kickstart tourism, investment and a positive boost for residents.

She said: “When Fleetwood had its pier it attracted people from outside the town and they’d spend time and money here.

“We really need some more positive things to happen to Fleetwood and this would bring people onto the seafront and make use of that empty space.

“i’ve been speaking to some of Fleetwood’s business people, I’ve approached the former Mayor of Wyre, Councillor Jane Preston, and they think it’s a good idea.

“There’s a long way to go and discussions to be had, but if we bring people together I’m sure we can make things happen.

“Look what Wyre Marine Services have done with the empty Barney’s Bingo – they have transformed it into a top boxing gym which has taken young kids off the streets and holds major tournaments.”

Jane said she had spoken with Mike Simmon (AKA entertainer Joey Blower) who took on a long term lease of the pier site with Wyre council and at one time proposed to put apartments on the site, and he expressed interest in her proposals.

A meeting between interested parties has now been arranged for December 12 to discuss ideas and possible ways ahead.

Any plans would need to find funding sources to invest in the project, sort out the site lease and, eventually, go through the planning process.

Cllr Jane Preston, who was Mayor of Wyre for 2024/25, will be at the meeting and supports the idea.

The councillor, who represents Poulton’s Breck ward on Wyre Council,  grew up and went to school in Fleetwood and said: “I welcome the idea of something positive for Fleetwood and Jane is  really positive about getting things done.

“It won’t be a straightforward process, because there are a few things to discuss, but it will be good to get the right people around the table and see where we can go.

“Lorriane Beavers, the MP for Fleetwood, is interested in being there and with some positive ideas, we could really take things forward.”

She added: “It won’t be a public meeting, we need to manage people’s expectations at this stage, but we can make a start of things.”

It was on September 9 2008 that residents awoke to see huge plumes of smoke and 70ft flames leaping from the pier.

Despite the efforts of more than 70 firefighters, the historic boardwalk was completely engulfed. Water was pumped from the sea and nearby boating lake, while aerial ladders and high powered jets were used.

But it was all in vain as by 8am the pier had been transformed into a tangled mess of twisted metal and burnt out buildings.

Within a few weeks the site had been demolished and cleared and despite efforts to redevelop the site, it remains untouched. 

Sadly, it wasn’t the first pier disaster for the town. The original Victoria Pier, a lovely ornate structure which boasted a cinema, burn down in 1952, only to be replaced by the second version, later in the decade.

Nevertheless, if the right plans can progress, a new chapter could begin for the old pier site.