The NWDA works to secure a dynamic competitive economy in the Northwest by supporting key projects which will make a significant impact in the region and sub-regions. Renovation of the Midland Hotel is a landmark scheme which has generated huge national interest and has the potential to spark further investment and regeneration in Morecambe.

Coastal resorts have an important role to play in generating economic wealth for the region and improving quality of life. They do this directly by attracting visitors and indirectly by making the Northwest a more attractive place to live and, therefore, invest. Since 2002, NWDA has invested around £160 million in coastal towns and plans further investment of more than £100 million over the next three years.

Redevelopment without destroying the sense of place, is a key physical regeneration challenge. Redevelopment of the well-loved Grade II listed art deco hotel has been a long-term commitment of the agency in our work to re-invent Morecambe and the hotel opened on June 1st to great acclaim. The Midland Hotel is a crucial part of the masterplan to regenerate the central seafront area of Morecambe. It is not only an iconic development which will help attract a new wave of visitors but will help improve perceptions of the town and inspire confidence in investors.

Through our £4 million investment in The Midland Hotel we expect between 60 to 80 jobs to be created or safeguarded and further urban regeneration. Although the Midland targets the niche visitor market it provides the catalyst for building on the town’s assets, including its Morecambe Bay setting and proximity to Lancaster City Centre and Lancaster University. And already it is attracting regeneration activity and private sector investment into the town. New businesses including restaurants and well-known chain stores are springing up while others are on their way.

Furthermore, architects Flacq are preparing a strategic framework for the 4.7 hectare Central Promenade Site adjacent to the Midland Hotel which, together with the hotel restoration, will provide major critical mass for the regeneration of Morecambe. The NWDA is considering supporting a number of public realm schemes to complement the Midland Hotel development, further Central Promenade development, and THI funded improvements to the Morecambe seafront.

The NWDA plans further investment in economic development projects to build on this confidence, in support of the housing-led regeneration of Morecambe’s West End through the West End Masterplan, and will explore with local partners how other economic opportunities may be of benefit to regenerating the area.

We must strive to ensure that as the Midland Hotel enters a new lease of life the same happens for the whole of Morecambe.