Sports bar planned for historic school site

A Grade-II-listed landmark in Kirkham is set to become a sports bar after a substantial refurbishment funded by the government's Future High Streets Fund.

Fylde Council purchased the Former Girls' Charity School on Poulton Street in March 2022 and it has overseen a programme of restoration work to preserve the building's historic character.

The property dates back to 1860 . It later served as a community hall and a Lloyds/TSB Bank.

After the bank closed, the building was vacant for several years before the council secured its future as part of the Kirkham Futures regeneration programme.

Terms have now been agreed with incoming tenant 1860 who, subject to contract and planning consent, will operate a sports bar, coffee lounge and bistro from the premises to create local jobs.

A spokesperson for Fylde Council said: “The Former Girls’ Charity School is an important part of Kirkham’s heritage, and we are pleased that this restoration project has preserved the building’s historic character.

“With a new tenant now in place, this long vacant property will be brought back into use, helping to deliver key regeneration goals by creating jobs, increasing footfall and supporting the development of the daytime and evening economy in the town.”

The refurbishment forms part of Kirkham Futures, a four-year programme representing the biggest investment in Kirkham in a generation.

It is funded by the Historic England High Street Heritage Action Zone, the government's Future High Streets Fund and contributions from Lancashire County Council, Fylde Council and Kirkham Town Council.