Firth relocates to converted sawmill in Fylde
Architect practice Firth Associates has moved into a former Edwardian sawmill, located half a mile from Lytham centre, after completing a conversation of the property.
Joel Firth, of Firth Associates, said the move to Melton Grove in Fylde coincides with an upturn in business activity.
Firth has leased 75% of the 3,000 sq ft building to Ludlow Independent Financial Advisers, while his firm occupies the remaining 750 sq ft.
Firth has an option to build a further 2,500 sq ft of office accommodation on the woodland site. His practice was previously located in North Clifton Street, Lytham.
He said: "Work is certainly picking up. The phone seems to be ringing and we are involved with a number of really interesting projects across the North West.
"We shook hands with Ludlows early on in the process of redeveloping the Melton Grove site because we felt that they were a good fit.
"There is a real shortage of high quality office space in Lytham town centre and I wanted my clients to be able to park easily and come to an interesting location."
The converted building dates back to the early 20th century and is in the original Lytham Estate boundary, with a listed cobble wall running through the site.
Firth said the combined cost of refurbishing the building and buying the land was £600,000 which was funded by a combination of personal and bank funding.
Firth has previously acted as lead design architect for the new 'locomotion' National Railway Museum at Shildon, County Durham, which has won a number of awards for its sustainable design, as well as working on the conversion of Miller Arcade in Preston, and Windermere marina village.
His practice also won a competition to redevelop Roach Bridge Mill where onsite work has started with the reintroduction of a large hydro-turbine that draws power form the River Darwen.
Firth added: "Alongside the larger projects I really enjoy working on historic properties and especially private houses. I am currently working on a few high quality residential projects near the Melton Grove site.
"Additionally I have a studio at Melton Grove where I can paint and do small sculptures and I'm planning to do a master's degree in public art at Bolton University, starting in September."
