Following a successful tender process and the approval of Fylde Council’s Executive Committee, Rosslee Construction have been appointed to refurbish the former TSB and Charity Girls School in Kirkham, as part of the Kirkham Futures regeneration programme.
The refurbishment work, which will begin on Monday 8th April 2024 and continue for 32 weeks, aims to preserve the character of the building while remodelling the interior into a bar and restaurant, repairing exterior elements such as railings and paving, and replacing the 1970s rear extension with contemporary details and a rear patio terrace with a landscape garden area (see photograph below).
Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council and Lead Member for Corporate and Economic Development, said: “As the Kirkham Futures project moves towards completion, we’re excited to enter the final stages of establishing this new community centrepiece in the heart of the town. Once construction work is underway, we will be able to seek a suitable operator to bring the vision to life.”
Funding for the project is included within the approved Capital Programme for 2023/24 and 2024/25, with the intent to transfer underspent funds from the Hillside Court scheme subject to approval from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
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.
A Spokesperson said, ‘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 bar and restaurant and will fulfil key regeneration goals to increase footfall and drive an evening economy in the town.’
Kirkham Futures is a 4-year programme of work to revitalise the town centre, 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.
