Developer looks to crack on with St Annes department store overhaul
Corbenyah Properties has begun converting the former JR Taylor building into a spa but work has slowed as the firm seeks permission to expand the scope of the project.
Corbenyah already had permission to convert the former JR Taylor department store into a spa with a four-bedroom boutique hotel and, having recently acquired St Annes’ former HSBC bank next door, wants to incorporate that building into its leisure scheme.
Fylde Council’s planning committee will meet next week to discuss proposals to expand the spa and use the HSBC building as its main entrance.
In addition, the developer wants to swap out the previously consented four hotel suites in favour of a VIP bar.
Designed by Blackpool-based WBD Architectural Consultants, the revamp of the 20,000 sq ft department store also features plans for a rooftop bar and a restaurant.
Central to the redevelopment project is glazing work including the addition of glass cladding to the corner bay and glazed balconies, along with the replacement of ground floor glazing. Canopy alterations and timber treatments are also included.
JR Taylor closed its doors in January 2015 and has been empty since.
In October 2021, design studio BDP was appointed to lead the creation of a masterplan for St Annes.
The project aims to attract further investment into the coastal town, and to address the challenges of the changing nature of high streets.
Also at next week’s planning committee meeting, Fylde is expected to approve Rowland Homes’ plans for 52 houses off Wildings Lane in Lytham St Annes.
Its makingthe place look an eyesore. I am ashamed of St Anne’s square. I look at lytham square and their lovely kept flowers then look at all the weeds we grow together with broken and cracked flags. We pay as much if not more council tax than Lytham. Awaken up council and sort the gardens and weeds out.
By Pauline Bell
When will it be finished
By Anonymous
January 2015! And now it’s January 2024, what a long time and St. Annes has not been the same since the loss of that much loved department store. I just hope the new enterprise is going to be a success. We need to draw people from the surrounding area as well as further afield for St Annes to be a lively and attractive town again.
By Helga Whitehead