Atkins has won an international design competition for a £600m tourism and business development on the Lancashire coast
The Lytham Quays architectural competition was run by the RIBA for Kensington development. It attracted submissions from the UK, the USA and Germany.

The brief was to prepare a concept scheme for a 29 ha brownfield site adjacent to the Ribble estuary, with a mixed-use development focusing on tourism, culture, environment, business and commerce.

Atkins has been appointed to submit a full planning application for the scheme and the first phase of the housing and leisure district. The application is to be supported by environmentalists, ecologists, marine engineers and transportation specialists from across the Atkins group.

The proposals include 3000 apartments, a marina for 300 yachts, a hotel, shops, cinema, leisure and retail, all with underground parking.

Key elements in Lytham are recycled and brought together in a charming but professional scheme

Competition jury’s comment on the Atkins entry

Architects at Atkins designed a series of interconnected but separate and intimate village-style spaces, all with a strong maritime theme.

The scheme will also provide a school, health centre and upgrades to the road network to cope with the estimated additional traffic. The project is due on site towards the end of next year and will be developed over the next 10 years.