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Archives - 2003

November 2003:

Urban Splash have submitted their application for the Midland Hotel, which is expected to be heard in January 2004.

Their plans include; restoration and modernisation of the hotel, a news roof terrace, replacement of the sun lounge, a small outdoor pool with a 'hot tub' feature, new landscaping and reduction of the car parking areas, disabled access ramps.

The total cost is estimated at around £8 million.  Urban Splash are also expected to submit proposals for the surrounding sites shortly.

A public open day at the hotel was held on the 22nd of November 2003.  Plans and proposals for the site were on show as well as an insight into Urban Splash and its other projects around the country.

The foyer and old sun lounge were open to the public and it is estimated that about 3000 people attended.

Summer 2003:

Urban Splash have signed a two year deal with Lancaster City Council to redevelop the Midland Hotel and the area nearby. This includes the former Harbour Band Arena which is currently occupied by a fairground. The company say they will submit an application to restore the Midland in October 2003.

J D Wetherspoon announced that work on their new Morecambe pub would begin at the end of September 2003 and hopefully be open for March 2004.

April 2003:

The last section of the Poem Path is finally open to the public. This includes a 30ft high obelisk containing text from' Genesis.' The nearby goods yard car park has also been refurbished.

An idea has been put forward by the Friends of the Victoria Pavillion (Winter Gardens) as to what could become of the former theatre. The suggestion includes creating a multipurpose 1300 entertainment centre in the main auditorium which will be renamed after Thora Hird. Also included is the development of a theatrical school within the building.

The Victoria Pavillion was last in use as a theatre in 1977. Built in 1897 as part of an extension of the original Peoples Palace (now demolished) it was one of the largest theatres outside of Manchester.

March 2003:

Wm Morrison Supermarkets have announced that their proposed Factory Outlet Scheme has been delayed, due to difficulties in attracting retailers. The development will go ahead, but not yet.

The Empire buildings on the promenade are currently being demolished. An Aldi supermarket will replace them which should be open by the end of 2003.

The Morecambe born actress, Dame Thora Hird, has died aged 91. Ideas are being discussed as to some sort of tribute in the town.

February 2003:

J D Wetherspoon have announced that their new outlet will be named 'The Eric Bartholomew.' The pub will be located at the promenade end of Euston Road and should be open for business by September.

January 2003:

The Midland Hotel has been sold to the property developer Urban Splash. The new owners hope that the listed building will eventually be able to reopen as a hotel and restaurant. The hotel had been on the market for the last few months after the last restoration project collapsed due to the rising cost of the project.

A 30 foot (9 metre) high obelisk has been erected as part of the Tern Project. It completes the new Poem Path 'Flock of Words' which runs from the new Bus Station to opposite the Midland Hotel.

Autumn/Winter 2002:

Work has begun on preparing the site for the new Factory Outlet Centre. The centre will be operated by Wm Morrison Supermarkets on land behind directly behind the store. The site was formally occupied by the now defunct Frontierland Theme Park. It's hoped to attract nearly 1 million people annually and is expected to be completed by Spring 2003.

The J D Wetherspoon Pub Chain has applied to set up in the towns main shopping area.

The latest phase of the Tern Project is two thirds complete. The Poem Path 'Flock of Words' is mostly open with only the promenade end yet to be completed.

Current News

Archives - 2003