Creativity And Imagination May Visit Morecambe’s Central Promenade Again.

The six finalists from the competition to re-imagine the central promenade in Morecambe stand in the tradition of creativity. I'm no fan of the Midland Hotel (or Art Deco in general) but it does show how Morecambe allowed creativity and innovation in the past. The six design proposals for the prom are innovative and creative. I found them quite exciting. As I walked round the exhibition I noticed that some local residents were reticent about the plans, particularly to putting residential accommodation on the sea side of the road. Here are my observations:

• Look at the central promenade:

• The leisure facilities are on their last legs.
• The area is tatty and neglected.

Look at the view:

• Morecambe Bay boasts one of the most impressive landscapes in the entire world.
• In the words of one of my friends "People would pay thousands for that view".

Think about the future of Morecambe:

• Morecambe needs investment.
• Morecambe needs redevelopment.
• Morecambe needs more leisure facilities.
• Morecambe needs a variety of housing styles that meets the diverse needs of society today.

The designs I saw yesterday were innovative and creative. There were some really interesting designs and structures providing the same kind of eye catching design that inspired The Midland Hotel. There was improved leisure facilities. There was creative housing. I went away from the exhibition excited about the future of Morecambe, encouraged by the brevity of the Architects and looking forward to seeing the whole thing develop.

National Fame for local girl

One of the girls at Alice's nursery made it into the local and national news this week.  All because she churcked a bottle into the bay and it made it all the way to Australia! Her message in a bottle made it to the other side of the world where a boy found it and wrote back. Alesha was full page in yesterdays Sun (not page 3).  You can read the BBC story on the subject here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/4627330.stm

Geraldine Smith MP Says the law is “Crazy and Unacceptable”

Strong words, sure, but Geraldine was talking about the law that allows the cockle beds in Morecambe Bay to be closed to protect the fish, but not to protect human life. Down the coast at Fleetwood the cockle beds have just been reopened. They are not open in Morecambe Bay yet but the time will come, and Geraldine is worried that it won't be long before the life boat is rescuing crazy cocklers who don't understand the bay or the tides. Geraldine wants regulation, and I agree. I don't want over regulation, but we should not allow people to risk their lives unnecessarily and we should not let the bay be over fished. You can read the whole speech here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2005-12-07a.876.0&m=1721#g893.0

More development on the Central Promenade in Morecambe

Urban Splash have started redeveloping the Midland Hotel. It is nice to see some work going on on the hotel and hopefully it will improve the way the Morecambe promenade looks. I still maintain that it is a bit of a waste of money. The Midland Hotel falls into the category of "concrete monstrosity" as far as I'm concerned. It does nothing for me and how it ever gained the status of a grade two listed building is beyond me! However, I'm sure once they have chucked 4 million quid at it it will look lovely. Morecambe has a plethora of Hotels but I am sure that the addition of a good quality hotel with such stunning views will benefit the resort as a whole.

There is more development going to happen on the central promenade in Morecambe. The land to the side of the Midland (on the right if you are looking at the sea) is also up for redevelopment. At the moment it is home for the fair ground, flower beds, car parks, the dome, a war memorial and a bronze statue of Eric Morecambe. Urban Splash and Lancaster City Council are seeking a design team

which shares its ambition to produce an inspirational and imaginative mixed-use development, and which realises the potential of the site and reinforces the regeneration of the broader Morecambe area. (Link to competitions.archiseek.com)

I think regeneration in Morecambe is badly needed, but I'm not convinced that the central promenade needs it as much as the Sandylands promenade. It already has the tern project, the stone jetty and the fair ground. Sure, the fair looks a bit tatty, but come down to the other side of the Midland Hotel and you will find nothing to attract visitors. No statues and no art (apart from graffiti on the shelters). You will find the derelict "Frontier Land" site which continues to dominate the prom, and desperately needs a coherent redevelopment plan. Still I think I would have to argue that any regeneration in Morecambe is better than none.

Protected: Time away from the blog: e.mail me for the password.

I have been away from my blog for a few weeks now. We had a couple of weeks holiday and then I haven't got back into the rythm since getting back from holiday.

Our holiday was excellent. In fact we have had an ace summer. These are a couple of photos of the kids before and after crabbing with their cousins.

My alternative uses for the Frontierland site, Morecambe.

One of the biggest eyesores in Morecambe is the "Frontierland" site. Once the site housed Morecambe's fun fair. Now it lies a derelict disgrace, letting down the resort.  If you are feeling nostalgic there are some great photo's here.

We have lived in Morecambe for two years and during that time there have been different proposals for the site. At the moment the current plan is to put a hotel, luxury flats and a DIY store on it. I have written to the council expressing my concern that this would be a wasted opportunity for the resort. I believe that what Morecambe needs are attractions that will strengthen the resort and make it an attractive place to visit. Our MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, Geraldine Smith, has voiced her opposition to the imposition of a DIY store on the front. "As for a DIY store, that would be entirely inappropriate. If one is to be built, then it should go on White Lund."

Here are my 4 suggestions for how the site could be used to strengthen the resorts profile:

1. An Interactive Centre
   "Explore the 192 square miles of Morecambe Bay: Fly with the migrating birds in our state of the art flight simulator, Travel through time experiencing the sounds and smells of life in Morecambe bay through the ages, Plumb the depth of the Irish sea in our sea tunnel. Morecambe Bay as you have never seen it before!"
2. Leisure and Fitness Centre
   "Whether you are relaxing in our spa, enjoying the fun of the longest flume in Europe, keeping fit in our multi-purpose fitness centre or just chilling out in our Internet cafe. You will love the amazing panoramic views over Morecambe Bay from within our temperature controlled centre.
3. Adventure Centre
   "Morecambe is host to the countries leading extreme sports centre: Enjoy Safari on the bay, Take the cross bay challenge, Climb our extreme sports wall, Race one of the most dangerous tides in the world in our virtual centre, Fling yourself into the sky in our Bungiee centre.
4. Alternative Energy Centre
   "Prepare for the most amazing experience of your life! Our interactive centrer will intrigue, inspire and amaze you. Experience invention and innovation first hand. Enjoy, Explore and Envelope the world of alternative energy.

Any more suggestions...