Six contractors have now been invited to submit full tenders to refurbish the former TSB and Charity Girls School in Kirkham, as part of the Kirkham Futures regeneration programme.
The successful initial Invitation to Tender in November 2023 identified six potential contractors to create a “white box” finish, accommodating a future bar/restaurant business for which the Council will later be seeking expressions of interest from possible tenants in a separate exercise, while preserving the character of the building.
The property at 52-64 Poulton Street is a Grade II listed building dating from 1860, originally serving as Charity Girls School, and later as a community hall before becoming a Lloyds/TSB bank. After the bank closed, the landmark sat vacant for several years, and its future was uncertain before Fylde Council were able to purchase the property in March 2022 with the assistance of the Future High Street Fund.
Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “It is heartening to see another of the keystones of the Kirkham Futures project moving towards completion. The creation of a restaurant in the former Charity Girls School has great potential to benefit the community, and we look forward to welcoming prospective tenants as they put forth their proposals for operating it.”
The building occupies an enviable high street position in the heart of Kirkham, with easy access to the public car park. This provides an excellent location for a restaurant and will fulfil key regeneration goals to increase footfall and drive an evening economy in the town.
Subject to a successful tender process and Council approval, it is anticipated that a contractor will be appointed in February 2024.
Kirkham Futures is a 4-year programme of work to revitalise the town centre, representing the biggest investment in Kirkham in a generation, funded by the Historic England High Street Heritage Action Zone, the Government’s Future High Street Fund, and contributions from Lancashire County Council, Fylde Council, and Kirkham Town Council.
For more information about the Kirkham Futures programme, visit the Kirkham Futures website. To keep up to date with the latest developments in Kirkham and across Fylde, sign up to receive Fylde Council’s weekly email newsletter every Saturday morning.
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