Update on Formby Beach car park as major National Trust project reaches final stage
National Trust Formby has issued a major update regarding ongoing conversation works aimed at restoring its rare sand dunes.
Works began at Victoria Road in May last year, with ‘major disruptions’ expected and visitors asked to avoid travelling to the beauty spot by car on busy, sunny days.
The conservation project is part of National Trust’s long term commitment to look after the special part of the Sefton Coast, with the trust promising “significant benefits for both people and wildlife”.
The project has involved removing the existing beach car park and tonnes of associated construction rubble. Most of the rubble is being repurposed to create the sub-base for a replacement, similar sized and more sustainable car park further inland.
Large metal fencing was erected around the work site area, beginning at the junction of Victoria Road and Badgers Rake, continuing along the car park out on to the beach. As a result of the works, there is no parking, toilets, bins or visitor access to the beach through the work site area at Victoria Road.
In its latest update on February 6, National Trust Formby confirmed that the project is “now in in its final stages” with the replacement car park “on track” to open in early spring.
Most of the metal fencing has now been removed, but contractors and large construction vehicles will remain on site “for a few more weeks”.
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National Trust Formby said final works will include making final adjustments to the large sand pile that will form the new dunes, installing signage and infrastructure, cleaning and refreshing the existing toilet block, final surveys and checks, and clearing the work site.
The Victoria Road car park will remain closed until work is complete, with the gates at the entrance closed to stop cars from entering the site.
A spokesperson for the organisation added: “Please give the dune restoration area time to heal by using less sensitive areas of the site. Thank you for your patience and support, the safety of everyone is really important to us.”