Major update on ambitious plans for Fleetwood’s Marine Hall

Major proposals to extensively revamp Fleetwood’s Marine Hall – including the provision of a new café and outdoor seating – have been given the green light by Wyre planners.

Although some objections were raised regarding the possible partial obstruction of a footpath, the scheme was judged to be acceptable by planning officers and beneficial to the wider community.

The works are part of the wider reaching Waterfront Masterplan, which aims to enhance the town’s coastal area by creating a better connection between the seafront and the town centre.

Although the works were approved at Cabinet level last month, they still have to go through the planning process, with the decision being made on July 17.

The application sought approval for the creation of an outdoor decked seating area with associated stepped access and ramp and external alterations to create a new entrance and window openings.

It includes a retractable awning to support the provision of a new café, as well as an extension to existing WC block and creation of a new rear entrance lobby within the colonnade.

Last year the Grade II listed, Art Deco building, opened in 1935, celebrated its 90th anniversary and the hall has been at the centre of local activities ever since its grand launch.

A revised Planning Statement was submitted on May 14 by Cassidy and Ashton Group Ltd, on behalf of applicants Wyre Council.

It states: “The proposals would bring the bar and kitchen area of the building back into use as a café.

“Internally, the existing kitchen would be partitioned to create an indoor seating area for 28 seats, with associated serving area. New WC facilities would be created within the entrance lobby for use by visitors to the café.

“Externally, an outdoor decking area would be provided for use by the café, supporting an additional 26 seats.

“Both ramped and stepped access would be installed to facilitate access to the decking area, which would provide access into the café through the retained main entrance doors and a newly created secondary entrance.

“The retractable awning above part of the decking area would support its use all year round.”

It added: “Alongside the creation of an additional entrance doorway, the Promenade facing elevation would be altered to provide enlarged windows and updated cladding treatment, to enhance the appearance of the building and improve visitor experience.

“An extension to the existing WC block to the west of the building would include four additional toilets. A new entrance lobby would provide direct access to the WCs and also act as a new access point into the function room directly from the gardens.”

Wyre Council recently confirmed that the Marine Hall will remain under council management following the conclusion of a procurement process to appoint an external operator.

In a move which they say ‘reaffirmed its long‑term commitment to supporting culture, community and local economic growth’, the council’s Management Board decided to end the procurement exercise for Marine Hall without making an award.

The application was supported by Fleetwood Civic Society, which said it welcomed the investment to the building which would enhance the experience for both residents and visitors.

However, Lancashire County Council’s Public Rights of Way Team objected to the proposal on the basis that the outdoor decking proposed would reduce the width of the nearby promenade footpath and could result in increased user conflict, particularly during peak periods.

A delegated report from planners concluded: “Overall, the proposed development is considered acceptable and complies with the relevant policies of the Wyre Local Plan.

“The scheme will secure investment in and enhance the long-term viability of Marine Hall, an important community, leisure and tourism asset.

“Whilst it is acknowledged that the proposed decked seating area would result in some reduction in the unobstructed width of the promenade and the public footpath (FP0201024), the route would remain available and functional for public use, and the limited harm identified is outweighed by the significant public benefits of the proposal.

“The development would also preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the Fleetwood Conservation Area, improve the appearance and functionality of the promenade-facing elevation and would not harm the significance of Marine Hall as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset.

“Furthermore, no unacceptable impacts have been identified in respect of residential amenity, highway safety, flood risk and drainage, ecology or other material planning considerations.

“The proposal therefore represents sustainable development and is recommended for approval.”