Story first posted: 27/6/02. Updated 29/6/06
Written by John Freeman. Photos: John Freeman
See also: Canal Corridor Plans • Development History
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Bridge House, part of the area being considered for redevelopment. Bridge House is not under threat of demolition as far as we are aware.

Kingsway Baths - to be redeveloped by the Council in association with Liberty and Crosby.

Lancaster Musicians' Co-op: under threat

The old Kenneth Gardner warehouse -- one eyesore that needs dealing with. But how?

Work to redevelop the Kingsway Baths site in Lancaster -- the final development will include new shops and a tower block of flats -- began in January 2005.

PC World was one of the first stores to open on the new development, a 65,000 sqft unit. A Pizza Hut resatuarant is also part of the new development, which will open in early 2006.

Work has yet to begin on the block of flats planned for the development.

Although Labour Bulk Ward councillors -- including Council leader Ian Barker -- previously voiced concerns at some aspects of the development, the plans could not be changed because the deal had already been done before the current council came to power.

Owners Liberty Properties plc were granted planning permission for the construction of a 75,000 sqft mixed residential and retail scheme, costing over £1 million regeneration of the former bridge houses and baths. The residential element will be carried out in conjunction with a residential partner.

After the battle to stop Carillion-Chelverton from building a huge supermarket on Bulk Road, the local Green Party revealed in December 2003 that it had serious concerns about the development plans submitted by Liberty Properties for the old bus station and swimming baths site at Kingsway, Lancaster. Members called for the planning decision on the former Kingsway Baths site to be deferred from late January in order to allow for effective public consultation on the plans. However, that development is now on course for completion (see above).

Local Labour councillors also voiced concerns about the plans but outline permission was granted to Liberty because the current council elected in May 2004 found it had to honour agreements made with Liberty by the previous council, run by the Morecvambe Bay Independents.

The plans for the site involve a new 10-storey tower block of flats, destroying fine views of Lancaster. Hundreds of car parking places are also part of Liberty's design that many local residents felt could have instead provided much needed green space, play space and space for young people. (Read the Green Party's objections to the plans here)

• City Council Kingsway Development Brief (PDF)

Web Links

• Clone Town Britain (PDF)
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