Major update issued over stalled plans to transform former St Annes department store into luxury spa
Work on 5-star spa is continuing
Progress on a new five-star spa and restaurant in St Annes town centre is back on after a period of being “on hold”.
The former JR Taylor department store was being converted into a stylish spa after work got under way in the summer of 2023, led by Lytham-based and partnered by interior designers, the Nanu Group.
However, in January the Nanu Group said the project was “currently on hold”.
This week there were comments on social media that lights had been seen in the building and after being approached for a comment, a source at Corbenyah Properties confirmed that work was ongoing again.
They said: “We can’t give a finish date at this time but work on the building is continuing.”
The project is called the Sanctuary Spa and the Nanu Group website says: “Nanu Group secured listed building to transform this historic department store into a 5* spa facility with rooftop bar for the ultimate spa experience.
“A complete renovation of a former department store into a remarkable multi-story spa facility. This transformation will feature a rooftop bar, immersive spa experiences, dining establishments, and a private cinema.”
What is expected?
Planning permission was granted in March 2023 to transform the former JR Taylor department store and the neighbouring HSBC bank into a luxury spa, restaurant, bar and hotel.
Work includes the demolition and reconstruction of the first and second floors, with the construction of a spa at the basement level, and a restaurant, bar and spa entrance on the ground floor.
Treatment rooms were to be located on the first floor, with four suites designed for the second floor, and a roof top bar.
JR Taylor was placed into administration in January 2015 because of “trading difficulties” and remained vacant for the past 10 years before its current redevelopment.
JR Taylor opened in 1901 and became known as a leader in fashion and style,
Operating from the same St Annes Square property for over a century, it closed on January 17, 2015, due to difficult trading conditions and changing shopping habits, sadly leading to 60 redundancies.
The premises remained vacant for 10 years before its current redevelopment.