Beloved St Annes Square mosaics set for major restoration work in September after £3.1m town centre investment
The work will be part of efforts to protect the town’s public art and heritage.
Three much-loved mosaics in St Annes Square are set to be restored this September as part of efforts to protect the town’s public art and heritage.
Specialist artist Tracey Cartledge will carry out the restoration of all three pieces, bringing a new lease of life to the artworks which have become a familiar feature of the Square. Work is due to begin on Monday, September 7, with the St Annes Arts Arena Mosaic in the amphitheatre the first to receive attention. The mosaic was created by artist Gary Drostle in 2005.
The restoration will then move to the Mermaid Mosaics on the southern side of the Square. Work has been scheduled to ensure the popular St Annes Artisan Market can go ahead undisturbed on Saturday, September 12.
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 were commissioned by Fylde Council in 2003 as part of a redevelopment of the town centre and were created by artist Stephen Charnock. Each phase of the restoration is expected to take up to two weeks, depending on weather conditions.
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Ms Cartledge has more than 10 years’ experience restoring historic mosaics, alongside a 30-year career in public art. She has secured approval from both of the original artists to undertake the restoration work, with the aim of ensuring their vision is preserved for future generations.
Small areas of fencing will be installed around each mosaic while work is taking place. However, residents and visitors will not experience any disruption to access across St Annes Square.
The restoration forms part of Fylde Council’s ongoing commitment to protecting and celebrating public art and heritage across the borough. It follows a £3.13 million investment in St Annes Square in 2025, with the latest work intended to help preserve some of the artwork that gives the town centre its distinctive character.