Sale of St Annes buildings supports town’s regeneration masterplan

The commercial property team at Harrison Drury has advised on the sale of two council-owned buildings in St Annes that will support the town’s ambitious regeneration strategy.

The firm has advised Fylde Borough Council on the sale of the Public Offices building and the adjacent former Tourism and Leisure Building on Clifton Drive South in St Annes.

The Grade II listed Public Offices building will be refurbished internally to become a furniture store and café operated by Homebird, allowing the Victorian style exterior and façade of the building to be retained.

Meanwhile, the dilapidated Tourism and Leisure site will be demolished and converted into residential apartments. The development of both sites will support Fylde Council’s aspirations to improve the town and the wider borough through the St Annes Town Centre and Island Masterplan.

Lara Watts, senior associate solicitor in Harrison Drury’s commercial property team, said: “We’re proud to have worked with the council on this project which supports St Annes’ regeneration strategy and will lead to tangible benefits for residents, local businesses, and visitors to the town.”

The old Public Offices, which opened in 1902, have been unused since the council’s customer services and planning teams moved to the Town Hall several years ago. The property will be leased to Homebird which expects to be trading from the premises by late 2023.

The old Tourism and Leisure building is to be demolished with 23 one and two-bedroom apartments built in its place. Demolition is scheduled to commence once the required legal agreements are in place, with an estimate of 18 months of construction time before the apartments are ready.

A Fylde Council spokesperson 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.”

As part of the sale of the Tourism and Leisure Building, Fylde Council have acquired 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.

The council spokesperson 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.”