Historic Kirkham Building Transformed as Major Restoration Reaches Completion

A beloved piece of Kirkham’s heritage has been saved for future generations as Fylde Council celebrates a significant milestone in the restoration of the Grade II listed Hillside on Preston Street.

After four years of dedicated work, the project has reached completion, marking a triumphant moment for the town. The former nightclub, restaurant and wedding venue had stood empty and deteriorating for over 10 years before the Council acquired it in April 2022. It has now been brought back from the brink through an extensive programme of external and internal conservation and restoration works.

Since work began in November 2022, the building has undergone a remarkable transformation. Externally, skilled craftspeople have rebuilt chimney stacks, installed new roofing, restored and replaced dozens of windows across the front and rear elevations, replaced the render and rainwater goods, and repaired historic ironwork. Internally, the property has been extensively renovated, with historic features restored, new washroom areas installed, rooms partitioned, painting throughout and full electrical upgrades carried out, including to the lift, improving accessibility for visitors. Where decay once threatened this architectural gem, beauty and purpose now shine through.

Work has also been carried out to the rear garden area of the property, including the rebuilding of an important retaining wall, works to trees, underpass, paving and car park area.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “This is a wonderful achievement that shows what can be accomplished when partners work together to protect our local heritage. This building is an important part of Kirkham’s character and history, and I’m delighted residents can see this transformation. This investment demonstrates our commitment to preserving what makes our towns special whilst creating exciting opportunities for business and skills.”

This conservation success story has been made possible through partnership funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone, Fylde Council and Kirkham Town Council, with expert delivery by JubbClews Chartered Building Surveyors, Heritage Property Repairs Northwest, DC & MG Associates, Rosslee Construction, Thomas Fairclough Roofing, John Lambert Stonemason, Calibre Metalwork, Graham Schofield Associates, Gosling Consulting, Frank Whittle Partnership and many more.

Michael Goode, from DC & MG Associates, said: “Our team at DC & MG have been delighted to have had the opportunity to be involved with working as architects on the Hillside project for Fylde Council. Helping to regenerate Kirkham by bringing back such an iconic and valued part of the Town’s heritage is something at the heart of what we love to do.”

Gavin Fletcher, Managing Director from Heritage Property Repairs Ltd, added: “We were privileged to be the initial contractor helping make Hillside watertight, rebuilding chimneys and restoring the front sash windows. Locals often stopped to share memories of the building’s past, and even clients from around Lancashire had stories of weddings and events held there. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the Fylde Council team, JubbClews Chartered Building Surveyors, and Historic England’s support. It’s been a privilege to help save such a special part of Kirkham’s heritage.”

Lynda Jubb, Director for Jubb Clews Ltd and Accredited Chartered Historic Building Surveyor, commented: “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a much-loved listed building carefully conserved and restored to landmark status. A specialist team spanning architectural history, structural engineering, joinery and masonry worked with us to restore this local landmark, recreating its fine glass, lime finishes and iron balustrade. This project also gave us the pleasure of providing hands-on learning opportunities for conservation surveying students from the University of Lancashire and Nottingham Trent University.”

With the restoration now complete, the Council is working with local commercial agents and other partners to secure a future tenant for the property, ensuring it delivers an impactful and long-lasting economic benefit for Kirkham and the surrounding area.