The new entrance to Ashton Gardens, Clifton Drive North, 1916.

Laying-out of the Gardens.

The Council lost no time in proceeding with the work. Shortly after the schemes, for adding to the attractiveness of St. Annes were evolved, the Council offered premiums for the best designs for laying-out the Ashton Gardens and constructing open-air baths. The various improvement schemes were estimated to cost £41,000 at the time, and a statement was issued that these projects would not involve any increase of rates. Competitors were limited to an expenditure of £10,000 on each of the two schemes, and that for laying-out the Gardens had to include a hall. The awards were made known in January, 1914, the winner being Mr. Fred Harrison, of Lytham and St. Annes; and the second being Mr. W. R. Sharp, of St. Annes.

The gift of Lord Ashton, however, relieved the Council of a big financial responsibility  and enabled them to undertake at once the laying-out of the Gardens, which it had been intended to develop slowly with the growth of the town. Before Lord Ashton’s gift was announced the Council proposed to spend £1,500 on preliminary laying-out, but Lord Ashton enabled the Council to proceed at once with developments which it was expected would take a decade to accomplish.

In addition to laying out the Gardens it was proposed to erect a handsome pavilion worthy of the Gardens at a cost of £20,000 but on the outbreak of war this portion of the scheme was postponed.

The Council, however, proceeded with the other portions of the scheme and laid-out tennis courts—six grass and three en-  tout-cas—and a bowling green. The original design submitted by Mr. Fred Harrison was altered as the grounds were laid-out, improvements being made from time to time.
Lytham St.Annes Express, 1916