The renovation of the former TSB and Charity Girls School in Kirkham is set to continue as part of the Kirkham Futures regeneration programme, as Fylde Council goes to tender to find a tenant to operate what will be a fabulous new bar/restaurant in a prime location.
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.
Once a tenant has been secured and their feedback sought, the Council will proceed to obtain a contractor to complete the refurbishment. The works are to be funded by the Government’s Future High Street Fund, with an anticipated project completion date of March 2024.
Details of the tendering process and how to submit a bid can be found on the Fylde Council website here: www.fylde.gov.uk/tender
Fylde Council Leader, Councillor Karen Buckley, commented: “The former Charity Girls School is one of Kirkham’s many beloved local landmarks, and its careful renovation to both preserve its wonderful aesthetic while offering greater benefit and services to the local community is a perfect example of the goals of the Kirkham Futures project.”
A full refurbishment will add a new glazed entrance lobby to the existing front entrance, leading into a dining area and then into a new rear extension containing a kitchen and disabled toilets, with bi-fold doors opening onto a secure rear garden terrace. The first floor will feature staff facilities including a kitchen and staffroom, plus a large space with the potential for conversion to additional dining space, function room, or other use. Fylde Council will consult with the successful tenant to ensure that the refurbishment meets their needs.
Councillor Buckley added: “The building occupies an enviable position on the high street and offers an excellent location for a restaurant. Part-restoration to clean the façade and carry out internal alterations has already taken place. Local Kirkham-based architect team DC & MG were appointed by Fylde Council to assist in developing the project further, and following a submission of planning application in December 2022, the project received committee approval in March 2023 for the new use.
“I would encourage any prospective tenant who recognises the great potential of this redevelopment to visit the Fylde Council website and consider submitting a bid.”
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 on the latest developments in Kirkham and across Fylde, sign up to Fylde Council’s weekly email newsletter.
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