Storage and small units
for St Annes-on-the-Sea

St Annes, a different town next door

St Annes-on-the-Sea sits on the coast south of Blackpool, part of Fylde borough rather than Blackpool. It is known for its pier, Ashton Gardens, its sand dunes and the Royal Lytham & St Annes golf course. The A584 runs along the coast from St Annes up into Blackpool.

Its housing ranges from large Victorian and Edwardian houses, some now split into flats, to family homes and retirement flats. There is a strong small-business community too: independent shops in the town centre and plenty of people running businesses from a spare room.

For online sellers who have run out of room

Selling online often starts with a few boxes in the spare room. Then the stock grows, the packaging grows, and the spare room becomes the warehouse, the photo studio and the post room all at once.

A unit can separate the business from your home. Some practical points that matter for online sellers:

• Wi-Fi is already connected, so you can list, print labels and answer messages at the unit.
• You can receive mail at the unit, which helps with supplier deliveries and returns.
• Shelving goes up easily in a windowless unit, as every wall is usable.
• 24-hour access lets you pack orders in the evening if that is when you have time.

The 160 sq ft security-door unit at £69 a week (about £299 a month) suits sellers who mainly carry boxes. Our page on unit ideas for online sellers has layout ideas.

For St Annes shops needing a stockroom

Small shops rarely have the back-of-house space they would like. Extra stock for Christmas, display fittings for the next season and archive paperwork all compete for the same cupboard.

A roller-shutter unit can act as an off-site stockroom. Take seasonal stock in and out as you need it, and give one month's notice if you no longer need the space. Our guide comparing units, shops and coworking may help if you are weighing up your options more widely.

Moves into flats and smaller homes

St Annes is a popular place to settle, and many people move into flats or retirement properties here from larger houses elsewhere. Flats rarely have a garage or loft, so a lifetime of belongings has to fit into fewer rooms.

Storage can bridge the gap. It is common to keep a few pieces of good furniture, family papers and things for the grandchildren while you see how the new home works. Give yourself a review date, perhaps three or six months in, so storage does not quietly become permanent.

If you have a few boxes rather than a room's worth, our first-floor storage pods open in spring 2027, at guide prices from £10 a week. They are up a flight of stairs, so bear that in mind for heavier items. Our guide to decluttering with storage has more ideas.

Business rates when the unit is in Blackpool

One point that is easy to miss: business rates are billed by the council for the area where the property is. If your home is in St Annes but your unit is at The Rock Factory, any rates on the unit would be a Blackpool Council matter, not a Fylde Council one.

Rates may or may not apply depending on the unit and your circumstances, so ask us about the particular unit you are interested in. Small Business Rate Relief exists for smaller properties. The details are on GOV.UK, linked below, and our guide to business rates on small units explains the basics. Always check the official guidance for your own situation.

Storage in St Annes or a unit in central Blackpool?

For many people, the honest answer depends on how often they need to visit. A household storing furniture for six months might visit a few times. An online seller might be there daily. The more often you go, the more weight you should give to the route.

Other points to compare, whichever you choose:

• Whether the site allows business use and client visits. Ours does, with prior approval.
• Whether you can work there with power and Wi-Fi, or only store.
• How long you are tied in. We are rolling monthly after one month.
• Whether you can add space next door later. Some of our units interconnect.

Our location and your route from St Annes

We have one building: The Old Rock Factory, Keswick Road, off Park Road, Blackpool FY1 5PB, in central Blackpool. We have no presence in St Annes, and we do not collect or deliver.

Please check your route from St Annes on Google Maps before deciding. We do not quote distances or journey times, because they depend on where you start and how you travel.

When you are ready

Units are available from 1 November 2026, and pre-bookings get the first week free. You will need valid government-issued photo ID, a signed Direct Debit mandate, one month's rent in advance and a deposit equal to one month's rent.

To ask a question or arrange a viewing, message us on WhatsApp.

Questions

Sources and official guidance

• Introduction to business rates (GOV.UK)
• Small Business Rate Relief (GOV.UK)

Prices are subject to availability. Minimum rental term: one month, then one month’s notice to leave. Electricity usage is charged separately at the supplier rate, with no markup. Business use needs prior approval. Car storage is not permitted.