Historic former Kirkham nightclub, restaurant and wedding venue restored after major 4-year transformation

A historic Kirkham building has been brought back from the brink after a major four-year restoration project reached completion.

Fylde Council has celebrated the milestone in the restoration of Hillside on Preston Street, a Grade II listed building which had stood empty and deteriorating for more than 10 years.

The former nightclub, restaurant and wedding venue was acquired by the Council in April 2022. Work began in November that year, with extensive external and internal conservation and restoration works transforming the property.

Wonderful achievement

Councillor 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'm 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.”

Externally, skilled craftspeople have rebuilt chimney stacks, installed new roofing and restored and replaced dozens of windows across the front and rear elevations. The render and rainwater goods have also been replaced, while historic ironwork has been repaired.

Inside, historic features have been restored alongside the installation of new washroom areas, room partitions and painting throughout. Full electrical upgrades have also been completed, including improvements to the lift to enhance accessibility for visitors.

Work has extended to the rear garden, where an important retaining wall has been rebuilt. Improvements have also been made to trees, the underpass, paving and car park area. With the restoration now complete, Fylde Council is working with local commercial agents and other partners to find a future tenant for the property.

Iconic and valued part of our heritage

Michael Goode, from DC & MG Associates, said: “Our team at DC & MG have been delighted to have had the opportunity to be involved with working as architects on The Hillside project for Fylde Council. 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 Ltd, added: “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.

“None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the Fylde Council team, JubbClews Chartered Building Surveyors, and Historic England's support. It's been a privilege to help save such a special part of Kirkham's heritage.”

Rewarding

Lynda Jubb, Director for Jubb Clews Ltd and Accredited Chartered Historic Building Surveyor, commented: “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.”

The Council hopes securing a new use for Hillside will ensure the restored building delivers a lasting economic benefit for Kirkham and the surrounding area.