A LEADING resort activist has said plans for redeveloping Morecambe's central promenade would ruin 'the most sacred piece of land' in the resort.
Chair of the Friends of the Winter Gardens, Evelyn Archer, has echoed fears of top designer Wayne He
mingway over Urban Splash's plans to re-model Morecambe's central promenade.
Coun Archer, who also holds the influential Lancaster City Council position as cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration in Morecambe, says she has serious misgivings about key elements of
the proposals. Her main concerns – similar to those expressed by Wayne in The Visitor two weeks ago – are the number and the height of the proposed buildings on the former Harbour Band Arena and Bubbles site.
The proposals are for around 350-400 residential apartments spanning out from the Midland Hotel concourse in 'fingers'.
Evelyn said the flats – at least one of which is seven storeys high – would block the views across Morecambe Bay and said the entire development was "too high and too dense".
Two weeks ago Wayne Hemingway said the plans were "absolutely crackers, like selling the crown jewels".
Urban Splash's plans, which have now been submitted to Lancaster City Council, also include underground parking for the apartments, new shops, restaurants, cafes and perhaps office space, a network of 'boardwalk' style sheltered areas, a new 'Seaside Square' public space and a 'Summer Gardens' opposite the Winter Gardens where outdoor events could be held.
Evelyn will be in the Arndale Centre on Monday, July 7, to canvass public opinion on the proposed development.
The city council planning committee is expected to meet to decide on the plans in September.
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