Reshaping the look of Morecambe's Prom?

[WillowTheWhisp]

Entitled "Looking good for Morecombe" (complete with incorrect spelling) this sounds more like how to stop Morecambe looking good from what I have read in The Citizen.

“For example, the large amount of residential parking allocation in the ground floor has resulted in a sprawling footprint.

“Not only has this severed pedestrian links between the retail quarter and the promenade, we also think that a valuable opportunity has been lost to open up long distance views of the bay from Marine Road Central.”

“It is important that access to this large section of waterfront is not denied or impeded from the current residents of Morecambe.

Morecambe's greatest asset is the view across the bay, to cut Marine Road Central off from that view would be the worst possible thing that could be done in my opinion.

Why not have something similar to the new development with the West End Gardens? Something everyone can enjoy and which retains the best of what Morecambe already has.

[trevnhil]

Well I for one would say a very loud NO!! to the plans/drawings in the Citizen. What an ugly modern building. And with 500 apartment to sell...... perhaps now we can see why Urban Splash have Spent / Invested such a lot in the 'Midland'. Will their investment now reap some rewards in the shape of these apartments?

Trev..

[gnasher]

“Not only has this severed pedestrian links between the retail quarter and the promenade, we also think that a valuable opportunity has been lost to open up long distance views of the bay from Marine Road Central.”

It's these kind of comments I find hilariously crap. The council are moaning they've lost the chance to open up the views (sounds like Evelyn in there somewhere). Who has blocked the views going back far longer than my 48 years on this planet? The council! This is all political bullshit and backtracking. The council offered Urban Splash the land around the Midland in return for ridding the council of an eyesore on the promenade and now they've got the Midland sorted, they are trying to get out of the original deal. Some of our concillors are not fit to hold office and definitely some of them have gone back on their election promises. Time & elections will sort this out.

As for the plans, I don't want to see the promenade cut off either but I do back the plans to re-develop the promenade with that proviso.

[WillowTheWhisp]

How about the height of this block of flats? From the artist's impression it looks huge and hideous. Does it have to be such an enormous structure dwarfing the Midland?

[pompeypete]

Gnasher. A building that size will attract all sorts of rabble.
The area will turn into a half occupied ghetto, and put Morecambe back years.
In 20 years time it'll be as run down as most of the West End.

[susanxx]

For the sake of Morecambe Urban Splash must not have any plans passed. What they have done to the Midland is appalling and if it is still open in 5 years time under their control, I would be very surprised. the exterior has been rushed without proper prep, the rust is showing through the railings, the sun room still appears to leak, the interior is dark , cold and uninviting, the service is dire, the prices are ludicrous, the staff are totally unaware of the term customer service and I am saddened at the end result of all the years of anticipation of the Midlands resurgence. Stop the Splash!

[WillowTheWhisp]

I'll have a better idea of what I think of the Midland after we've stayed there.

[gnasher]

What they have done to the Midland is appalling

So you'd prefer it was left in the derelict state? If not, what would you have done to get it into the condition it is now?

US have done what no one else in this town has managed to do, gather funding, get off their arses and do something. The Winter Gardens shut around 26 years ago and it's still in a far worse state than the Midland.

[gnasher]

Gnasher. A building that size will attract all sorts of rabble.
The area will turn into a half occupied ghetto, and put Morecambe back years.
In 20 years time it'll be as run down as most of the West End.

OK, fine. Let's all just leave the town to rot, it's well on it's way already. Let's not push for anything new then at least without the tourists and anyone living here able to afford a car we won't need the relief road.

What else is happening in this town right now to try and take it up-market? Nothing!

Even if US give it a go and it fails, at least they've done more than anyone else by trying.

[accykeef]

Susanxx - could you give us more details of what services you asked of the Midland and how they failed to deliver. You issued a statement which may or may not be justified but I would like you to clarify your comments.

I think that the Midland is just the start of their plans, they are in this to make money and their plans are a breath of fresh air. I cannot comment on their service as I have yet to go inside the place but at least they are trying. As a commercial venture, I fail to see the viability of the Midland as their prices are suited to a more upmarket clientelle than Morecambe will attract but at least they have a goal in mind. The council seem to just run around like headless chickens hoping that the golden goose will come home to roost.

I think the first priority is to get a motorway standard link from the M6 via Galgate and to move those flaming newts if need be. We would have a port which could develop naturally and the support services would be attracted under natural market forces rather than just having money thrown at it. The workers at the support services would have to live somewhere so the housing market would be built upon and the whole area would regenerate itself.

This is common sense regeneration rather than a master plan of council proportions where councillors are in it for personal gain.

[lifeboat1721]

The Midland hotel like all new projects take time to get things running smooth, We have to give Urban Splash time, If things don't work out as a Hotel I bet they will close it and sell it of as flats.

Ian