THING OF THE WEEK

BLAND CASTLES… Earlier this week a strange thing happened on Morecambe Bay. Don’t say ‘the sun came out’ that’s not helpful. And also, it didn’t. What did happen was a creative protest against the “growing epidemic of uninspired, soulless buildings across the world”. Humanise, a campaign founded by architect Thomas Heatherwick, rallies against uninteresting and drab architecture and on Wednesday the group took the fight to Morecambe where dozens of box-shaped sandcastles were sculpted to draw attention to the issue.

The ‘Bland Castles’ on Morecambe Bay  ranged up to three-metres high but the chosen location for the showcase seemed odd given that Morecambe – not exactly a hotbed of development – will one day be home to one of the more interesting architectural efforts of recent years in the shape of the Eden Project.

The stadium is amid a test event programme. Credit: Tony McArdle/Everton FC

STEPS… Not only do Everton fans have a smart new stadium to look forward to next season, they can also expect to be among the fittest supporters in the league. That is if they follow the advice of Merseytravel, which has encouraged Toffees to “get their steps in” when travelling to the ground.  

Aware that Sandhills, the closest train station to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, will be very busy, fans have been urged to walk from Moorfields in the city centre for the friendly against AS Roma this Saturday – a 35-minute journey according to Google Maps. 

Needless to say this went down like a cup of cold sick with many fans who have been frustrated about the infrastructure and parking arrangements put in place since the stadium was completed.  

Credit: via planning documents

YATES RATES… Blackpool Council has approved plans for the conversion of the former Yates pub on the Promenade into an 18-bedroom hotel. The proposals will see the Art Deco building’s beer-soaked carpets ripped up as part of plans to bring the local landmark back to life after it closed in 2022.

The man behind the scheme is Raghbir Basrai, whose name will be familiar to Blackpudlians; he owns Mr Basrai’s all-you-can-eat buffet in the town centre.

Davyhulme wastewater treatment works is one of largest wastewater treatment facilities in the country. Credit: via United Utilities

PIPING UP… United Utilities has this week announced plans to invest in the waste water treatment facility in Davyhulme. Amazingly, the complex still features pipework from when it opened in 1894 so it is probably about time £2.1bn turnover UU gave the place a touch up. 

Attendees dressed up for the occasion. Credit: via Feddy Media

EMCEE... As someone once said, nostalgia is not what it used to be, but for one night last week MC Construction defied that theory with a 1980s disco. 70 people attended the fancy dress shindig at the home of rugby union club Broughton Park FC and danced the night away to [insert your favourite 80s band/performer here]. The event was held as part of MC’s efforts to raise £10,000 for charities Salford Loaves and Fishes and Together Dementia Support. That target has now been met and nobody had to pull a bus or walk on hot coals. Although there was a spot of abseiling thrown in for good measure.