Tenant sought after restoration of popular Kirkham venue

A tenant is being sought to occupy the Grade II listed Hillside in Kirkham following extensive renovations of the popular local building.

The four-year project to restore the former nighclub, restaurant and wedding venue in Preston Street, comes after the building stood empty for more than a decade.

Fylde Council acquired it in April 2022 and it has been restored through an extensive programme of external and internal conservation work.

Since November 2022, workmen craftspeople have rebuilt chimney stacks, installed new roofing, restored and replaced dozens of windows across the front and rear elevations, replaced the render and rainwater goods, and repaired historic ironwork. Internally, the property has been extensively renovated, with historic features restored, new washroom areas installed, rooms partitioned, painting throughout and full electrical upgrades carried out, including to the lift, improving accessibility for visitors. Where decay once threatened this architectural gem, beauty and purpose now shine through.

Work has also been carried out to the rear garden area of the property, including the rebuilding of an important retaining wall, works to trees, underpass, paving and car park area.

Cllr Karen Buckley, leader of Fylde Council, said: “This is a wonderful achievement that shows what can be accomplished when partners work together to protect our local heritage.

"This building is an important part of Kirkham's character and history and I am delighted residents can see this transformation. This investment demonstrates our commitment to preserving what makes our towns special whilst creating exciting opportunities for business and skills.”

The restoration was funded via a partnership with the government's Future High Streets Fund, Historic England's High Streets Heritage Action Zone, Fylde Council and Kirkham Town Council. It was delivered by JubbClews Chartered Building Surveyors, Heritage Property Repairs Northwest, DC & MG Associates, Rosslee Construction, Thomas Fairclough Roofing, John Lambert Stonemason, Calibre Metalwork, Graham Schofield Associates, Gosling Consulting, Frank Whittle Partnership and more.

Michael Goode, from DC & MG Associates, said: “Helping to regenerate Kirkham by bringing back such an iconic and valued part of the town’s heritage is something at the heart of what we love to do.”

Gavin Fletcher, managing director from Heritage Property Repairs, said: “We were privileged to be the initial contractor helping make Hillside watertight, rebuilding chimneys and restoring the front sash windows. Locals often stopped to share memories of the building's past, and even clients from around Lancashire had stories of weddings and events held there.”

Lynda Jubb, director for Jubb Clews and an accredited chartered historic building surveyor, said: “There's nothing more rewarding than seeing a much-loved listed building carefully conserved and restored to landmark status. A specialist team spanning architectural history, structural engineering, joinery and masonry worked with us to restore this local landmark, recreating its fine glass, lime finishes and iron balustrade. This project also gave us the pleasure of providing hands on learning opportunities for conservation surveying students from the University of Lancashire and Nottingham Trent University.”