First St Annes Square mosaic restoration complete as part of major £3.13m Fylde Council investment

The first of three much-loved mosaics in St Annes Square has been restored as part of major £3.13m Fylde Council investment.

With the St Annes Arts Arena Mosaic now “looking brighter than ever” following specialist artist Tracey Cartledge’s careful restoration of the mosaic in the amphitheatre, the square’s standout feature has had every broken tile repaired.

Tracey has also taken careful steps to preserve the vision of its original artist, Gary Drostle, who created the mosaic in 2005.

Attentions will now turn to the Mermaid Mosaics on the southern side of the Square, which were commissioned by Fylde Council in 2003 as part of a redevelopment of the town centre and were created by artist Stephen Charnock.

The restoration programme is being carried out by Cartledge, who has more than 10 years' experience restoring historic mosaics alongside a 30-year career in public art. She has secured approval from both original artists to carry out the restoration, ensuring their vision is preserved for future generations.

Small areas of fencing will be in place while the work continues, but access across St Annes Square will not be affected. The restoration forms part of Fylde Council's ongoing commitment to protecting and celebrating the borough's public art and heritage, following a £3.13 million investment in St Annes Square in 2025.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, commented: “The mosaics have become a familiar feature in St Annes Square, adding colour and interest to the space.

“Restoring them now ensures they play their part in the wider regeneration work, complementing the major improvements already underway and supporting our long-term plan to create a more vibrant, attractive and resilient town centre for the future.”

The Mermaid Mosaics are now next in line for restoration, with the work expected to continue as part of the wider programme to give all three artworks a new lease of life.