Homes plan revealed for Kirkham pub

The Hillside – formerly the Cube bar – in Preston Street, Kirkham, is a Georgian Grade II-listed building which has been closed since 2009.

Its owner Paul Mellor had hoped to convert the site into a nursing home, but after a lack of interest, despite the property being on the market for the past 18 months, it could now be turned into 13 homes.

Mr Mellor, who owns the Cube in Poulton, said: “There was an article about the building the other month, saying it was looking a bit dilapidated.

“We’ve had it on the market for a year or two now and not had any interest whatsoever.

“We’ve put an application into Fylde Council for eight, two-bedroom start-up homes and then five, two bedroom flats, within the main building itself. It’s utilising the site better. At the end of the day, the council will make the decision on this, but it wants to do something with the building.”

In August, Kirkham Coun Liz Oades revealed fears the building was being left to “wrack and ruin”.

She cautiously welcomed the plans.

“The building is a listed building – it is supposed to fit in a certain setting,” she said.

“I will be very disappointed if a listed building is allowed to be changed in some way.

“I would rather it be used for something than lie derelict.

“But we’ve got to protect the listed building.

“I have not seen the plans but I hope to. I hope they retain the character of the building.”

If the plans are agreed it would be the second major regeneration of a dilapidated site in Kirkham town centre, following the demolition of the George pub. The iconic pub stood at the junction of Poulton Street, Moor Street and Station Road. It has made way for 12 apartments.

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