New art deco-style apartments in Fleetwood set for summer finish

The plans initially caused a stir after demolition of the original building on the site, an authentic 1930s art deco structure, was approved by Wyre planners.

Fleetwood Civic Society expressed concern about the loss of such a stylish landmark.

But the architects of the new Marine View apartment, being built for housing group Regenda, have designed it in a way that “reimagines” the art deco style.

Regenda said this week that although the Covid pandemic held up work last year, construction has been able to continue since and the building is taking shape on The Esplanade.

The project, part of a £10million improvement scheme in Fleetwood by Regenda, consists of 16 one and two-bed affordable apartments for the over 55s.

Architects Paddock Johnson of Liverpool, who released artist’s impressions say it will retain many art deco features of the original but include more modern amenities.

A Paddock Johnson statement said: “The apartments are split over four floors in a single block.

“The building reimagines the art deco style of the original and uses materials familiar to the area and the building it replaces, with red brick and buff features.”

A Regenda spokesman said this week: “Work at Marine View is progressing well, despite the setback of the pandemic. Construction is on schedule to complete in late summer.”

The project encountered problems in February last year when demolition of the old building ground to a halt after contractors were caught on camera tearing down bricks and mortar with no visible protection in place on the street. Work was later able to resume.

The original Marine View building had previously been Fleetwood’s third biggest hotel, The Cumberland, and was a prestigious amenity in the town.

It later became a Lancashire County Council care home and then apartments.

Regenda had considered revamping the building because of its impressive architecture, but said it was simply not cost-effective to continue on-going renovations as the building aged.

The new design was praised by Fleetwood residents when artist's impressions were released.