Plans are in motion for the redevelopment of both the Public Offices building and the former Tourism & Leisure Building on Clifton Drive South in St Annes, with the offices being converted and the Tourism & Leisure site to be used for residential apartments. Development of these sites will support Fylde Council’s aspirations to improve the town and the wider borough through the St Annes Town Centre and Island Masterplan.
The old Public Offices – not to be confused with the Town Hall, the current home of Fylde Council – will be leased to Homebird (St Annes) Limited for a term of 20 years. The Grade II listed building will be refurbished internally as a furniture store and café while preserving its exterior and façade and is expected to be trading by late 2023.
Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Since our customer services and planning teams moved out of the Public Offices and into the Town Hall a number of years ago, this building has been surplus to requirements and has been on the market. Our focus has been on finding a project that supports bringing people into the town centre to increase footfall. I’m delighted to partner with Homebird and look forward to welcoming them to our high street.”
Meanwhile, the old Tourism & Leisure building is to be sold and demolished, with 23 one- and two-bedroom apartments being built in its place. Demolition is scheduled to commence as soon as all requisite legal documentation is completed, with an estimate of 18 months of construction time before the apartments are ready.
As part of the sale of the Tourism & Leisure Building, Fylde Council will acquire land adjoining the railway line directly opposite St Annes train station. Ownership of this land allows for multiple potential development options in the future, including the possible reinstatement of a second platform should a passing loop be introduced to the rail line.
Councillor Karen Buckley added: “The redevelopment of the old Tourism and Leisure building is a welcome step towards the enhancement of the town, as laid out in our masterplan. Our commitment to our vision for a rejuvenated St Annes is clearly visible, and by taking ownership of the land by the station and holding it for future use, Fylde Council are demonstrating our proactivity in preparing for our longer-term aspirations.”
More updates about the Public Offices and the Tourism & Leisure Building will follow as the processes continue. To read more about the St Annes Town Centre and Island Masterplan, as well as other exciting regeneration projects in Fylde, visit the Fylde Council website.
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