Iconic Building In Safe Hands

Poulton College is an iconic building and since it was sold by the Learning and Skills Council, much speculation has been raised as to what would happen to the building.

Local residents were fearful that the structure would be demolished or damaged by an unsympathetic development so they stepped in and the college became a ‘listed’ building, ensuring its character cannot be harmed by future development.
Recently the college has been purchased by Glenroyd Developments who intend to develop the college into 15 apartments. The proposal represents an opportunity to safeguard the appearance, setting and character of this recently ‘listed ‘building by its sensitive conversion to residential use.

Glenroyd Developments haven’t named an official ‘start date’ yet but they do appear keen to get going. The developers do not have a formal consent as yet, as the consent was granted subject to the contribution of £30,000 for community development which has yet to be agreed. It represents an exciting regeneration project and will definitely make the area around ‘Fisherman’s Square’, Green Street and the Home Zone even more attractive.

Artful Insights

People like to be reminded of places that hold special memories for them; places they have lived and worked, places they have visited and spent holidays and have had a good time. The colourful murals around Poulton draw on such memories and reflect the history and heritage of Morecambe. These sentiments have also inspired one of the mural designers, local artist Patricia Haskey Knowles to produce a painting of the resort.

“Reflections of Morecambe” shows the Winter Gardens glorified in evening light, reflected in the pools of water on the sand, the curve of The Midland, shaded in soft grey blue, leading the eye across to the Stone Jetty.

“I am not a “sandgrown’un”, but I have lived in Morecambe long enough to know that Morecambe people are very proud of their town and have very fond memories of how great Morecambe used to be,” says Patricia.

“Many realise that we still have our most beautiful asset, which is the bay itself and are still passionate about seeing Morecambe restored to the place where beauty surrounds and health abounds.

One such lady is Evelyn Archer (Chair of the Friends of the Winter Gardens). Meeting her coincided with the completion of the Morecambe painting and led me on to thinking what can I do to help?”

Cards of the painting are being produced and a percentage of proceeds from cards sold will go to the ‘Friends’.

The original and limited edition giclee prints of “Reflections of Morecambe” are available from the Town House Gallery. More of Patricia’s work can be seen on her website http://www.phk-art.co.uk